The call for alert against terror attack threats is in line with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono`s request to security officers recently.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Head of the National Counter-terrorism Agency (BNPT) Ansyaad Mbai warned the people on Thursday, of terror threats during Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The call for alert against terror attack threats is in line with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyonos request to security officers recently, to be prepared in order to ensure security and public order during Christmas and New Year celebrations in the country.

"The President made the request on the basis of my explanation that there are still several terrorist groups around. Although they operate separately from one another, they still maintain communications with each other and intend to conduct violent actions," Mbai stated here, on Thursday.

He said that there were calls from their leaders to carry out terror acts during Christmas and New Year festivities.

"Big stems and branches are ready to call for violent actions. So, the indication of threat is quite clear," he stated.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has asked security officials to ensure security during the Christmas and New Year celebrations in the country.

"I want all religious celebrations, whether by Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists or followers of Confucius, to be peaceful and without any security disturbances," the President stated at the Halilm Perdanakusma military airbase, before departing for Tokyo last week.

The President also called on security officials reminding them to be on their guard against certain parties, who may probably take advantage of the momentum of Christmas and the New Year, to disturb the security situation.

"It is a political year and we have felt an escalating political climate in our country. Therefore, I urge all the political elite and politicians to exercise self restraint," he noted.

Anticipating unwanted events, the head of state encouraged the security and law enforcement officials to work extra hard to ensure security.

"I have received a report from the National Police Chief about plans of certain elements to disturb the peace and order at certain places," the President explained.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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