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Indonesia city residents told to stay home for Bush

16 Nov 2006 10:10:53 GMT
Source: Reuters

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Indonesian students wear masks as they rally in Jakarta against a planned visit by U.S President George W. Bush November 16, 2006. The U.S. embassy in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country, has warned that protests over the brief November 20 visit could turn violent.
REUTERS/STRINGER/INDONESIA

By Mita Valina Liem

JAKARTA, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Authorities said on Thursday they planned to lock down parts of a town near Jakarta that will host U.S. President George W. Bush next week, and warned residents it was better to stay inside their homes during the brief visit.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian armed forces pledged to secure the Bush visit to the bedroom community of Bogor, 50 km (30 miles) south of the capital, whatever the potential threat.

"It is better to stay at home than to go out," said Zenal Arifin, head of Bogor city information.

"It is dangerous. Suspicious movement can lead to being shot in the leg ... and many ordinary people do not know this."

Bush will meet President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in Bogor on November 20, in a visit that has already provoked its share of controversy in the world's most populous Muslim country.

Groups ranging from radical Muslims to leftist students have rallied in cities across Indonesia criticising Bush, Yudhoyono, and U.S. policy. Most demonstrations have been small, seldom exceeding 100 people.

One Indonesian shaman cut snakes and drank the blood of a freshly slaughtered goat on Thursday, in a black magic ritual to curse Bush, his entourage and the Indonesians who host the visit.

Ki Gendeng Pamungkas said Bush would be possessed during the trip and some Indonesian officials would die later this month.

Protesters say they plan to gather in Bogor on the day of the visit.

Critics say security preparations are over the top, including building a helipad in the 87-hectare Bogor botanical gardens where the meeting's state palace venue is located and plans to deploy thousands of security forces.

Officials have directed some schools, shops and government offices in Bogor, as well as the city's main bus station and several public transport routes, to close for all or most of the day, although Bush was only due to arrive in the afternoon.

Indonesia has seen several deadly bomb attacks in recent years directed against Western targets and blamed on Islamic militants, including the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 people, mostly foreign tourists.

Indonesia's military spokesman said local media had exaggerated the numbers of troops being deployed but refused to reveal details of the security operation.

"Please understand that all of these information are classified. TNI (the Indonesian military) intends to secure President Bush and his entourage and TNI will not take even the smallest of risk," said Rear Admiral Mohammad Sunarto.

"All things are considered, whether it is about demonstrations or terror or other disturbances," he said.

Asked whether terrorist groups might strike during the visit, Sunarto said: "We are alert. Such things are anticipated."

The Indonesian government has been a strong critic of U.S. policy in Iraq and Israel, and anti-American sentiment among the public has grown during the Bush administration. (Additional reporting by Telly Nathalia)

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Last updated:Thu Nov 16 10:12:56 2006