Bali heightens security operations for Obama

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/06/02/bali-heightens-security-operations-obama.html
Ni Komang Erviani, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar | Wed, 06/02/2010 9:58 AM | Headlines
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Bali has been preparing precautionary measures for United States President Barack Obama’s visit planned for June 14, according to the local security authority.

Udayana Military Chief Commander Brig. Gen. Rachmat Budiyanto said that the operation to safeguard Obama’s visit to Bali in the next two weeks had already begun by deploying 4,480 military personnel and the police.

Budiyanto said during the 53rd anniversary of the Udayana Millitary Command, which overviews Bali, West and East Nusa Tenggara provinces, the security operation must be enforced 20 days prior to President Obama’s arrival in Bali.

Obama was initially scheduled to visit in March but postponed it due to internal affairs.

“We have been clearing areas in Bali and taking preventive action to secure the island from any possible security problems including terrorist acts,” the general explained.

Budiyanto asserted that he would procure various equipment and supporting facilities such as transportation and communication equipment from the army headquarters in Jakarta and from Australia.

The Bali Military Command Office and the police previously held similar operations but President Obama canceled his state visit to Indonesia.

“Terrorist threats are still our first priority,” said Budiyanto. He said Bali should not ignore these threats since the island was a target for terrorism because of its international reputation as a tourist destination.

Bali Police chief Insp. Gen. Sutisna added that the police had tightened their security at five major harbors and international airports as well as 32 small fishing harbors across Bali.

“We have added personnel at Ngurah Rai International Airport, Benoa Harbor, and Gilimanuk and Padang Bai ferry harbors linking Bali with Java and Lombok Islands,” Sutisna said. The police will strictly guard traditional fishing ports because some people linked with terrorist networks may enter these gates without proper security checks from authorities.

“We will not take any risks by having small ports without security guards,” he said. On June 9, the Bali Police will receive an advanced security team from the US to coordinate security measures for Obama.

Obama’s security will be implemented by using the “Beat” method meaning that at every important point, a number of police, led by senior officers, will be ready to secure places. “We have pointed out a number of vulnerable areas that may become Obama’s routes in Bali,” he said.

Obama is scheduled to visit several places including Ubud and Uluwatu Temple in Jimbaran, South Bali.