LAKSAMANA.Net, March 12, 2005 11:11 PM
US, Australia Warn of Threat to Jakarta Mall
Laksamana.Net - The US and Australian governments have warned their citizens that
a Jakarta shopping complex could be targeted by terrorists.
"The US Embassy and the US Consulate General are aware of a possible bomb
threat against World Trade Center Mangga Dua in North Jakarta for the period 11-14
March," the US Embassy said in a statement Friday (11/3/05)
"Americans in Jakarta should avoid the area surrounding this facility which is located
near the intersection of Jalan Gunung Sahari and Jalan Mangga Dua Raya," said the
statement.
Australia's Foreign Affairs Ministry issued a similar warning. "On 11 March we
became aware of a bomb threat against the World Trade Center Mangga Dua,
Jakarta. We would warn Australians to avoid the areas surrounding this complex," it
said.
Scores of police were deployed on Saturday to provide further security at the huge
multi-level complex, which contains several malls.
North Jakarta Police chief Syahrul Mamma told state news agency Antara that
officers had not found any indications of a threat, adding it was business as usual at
the shopping center.
Opened in 2002, the complex covers 20 hectares and claims to be one of the biggest
wholesale and retail centers in Southeast Asia.
The complex, which opened last year, is one of some half a dozen shopping malls in
the area, one of the busiest for retail and wholesale trading in Jakarta, a sprawling city
of some 10 million people.
Indonesia has been hit by several terrorist bombings targeting Westerners over recent
years and there are fears of further attacks.
The Australian government's travel warning said its citizens should defer non-essential
travel to Indonesia. "Australians in Indonesia who are concerned for their safety should
consider departing. Australians who consider their presence in Indonesia to be
essential should exercise extreme caution. We continue to receive reports that
terrorists in the region are planning attacks against a range of targets. These attacks
could occur at any time, anywhere in Indonesia and could be directed against any
locations known to be frequented by foreigners. The bomb attack outside the
Australian Embassy on 9 September 2004 underscores the ongoing terrorist threat to
Australians in Indonesia," it said.
Copyright © 2000 - 2005 Laksamana.net, All Rights Reserved.
|
