The Jakarta police force have foiled a plan to explode a grenade at the National Monument on Malam Takbir on 8 February, an event which was attended by President Suharto and Vice-President Try Sutrisno.

Two Korean-made grenades were seized and two suspects were arrested, identified only as Abd, 31, and Fa, 38.

According to police investigation chief, the police got wind of plans for individuals to enter the grounds with grenades. After an intelligence operation, the police arrested the suspects on 9 February, the day on which the Ramadhan Fasting Month ended.

They were discovered in separate hiding places, along with the grenades.

The police were not able to say where the grenades had been obtained but said the two men were now undergoing intense interrogation.