City preparing for New Year's Eve

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

With millions of people expected to crowd entertainment centers in Jakarta on New Year's Eve, the city administration and the police are preparing to deploy more than 17,000 officers in an effort to step up security and manage traffic in the capital.

The police would intensify security in entertainment parks, shopping malls, train stations, bus stations, the Soekarno-Hatta international airport and other public places, Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Adang Firman said.

To celebrate the New Year, the city administration has organized festivities at three locations: the National Monument in Central Jakarta; Ancol Amusement Park in North Jakarta; and Taman Mini Indonesia Park in East Jakarta.

"This is to prevent heavy traffic congestion in those areas," Governor Fauzi Bowo said.

From the total 681 entertainment hubs holding New Year's Eve parties, the police would prioritize the National Monument and Ancol, according to the Jakarta Police Traffic Management Center.

Central Jakarta Police Chief Sr. Comr. Heru Winarko said the security would be tightened at the National Monument, as President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is scheduled to visit the location.

"We will close the streets around the monument to motorists from 4 p.m., to prevent traffic jams in the area. So after that time people will have to go to the monument by foot," Heru said.

The streets that will be closed to motorists are Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur; Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat; Jl. Medan Merdeka Utara; and Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan.

About 500 meters from the monument, the police would reroute motorists to park their vehicles at Gambir Train Station, Istiqlal Mosque and other nearby parking lots, he said.

Last year, millions of people flocked the National Monument during the New Year's Eve celebration, causing heavy traffic jams in the area, he said.

Adj. Sr. Comr. Herri Wibowo, deputy chief of the Central Jakarta Police, said the city administration would open a coordinating center to manage crime and loss reports in the National Monument area.

At the National Monument, a free music concert featuring top bands and a fireworks display have been planned to welcome the new year. Traditional attractions and the lighting of 2,008 torches will enliven the celebration at Taman Mini in addition to the fireworks and music shows.

Meanwhile, Ancol park management will offer a coastal experience with music and dance performances, fireworks and traditional attractions as part of the so-called Jakarta Seaside Festival. (dia)