Theresia Sufa, Bogor – National Police personnel will not be armed with live rounds while on duty during the announcement of the elections results in Jakarta on May 22, despite their warnings about a possible terrorist attack.
National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Dedi Prasetyo said on Saturday in Bogor that personnel would be armed with shields, tear gas and water cannons.
He spoke to journalists during an inspection of the arrest of an alleged terrorist, identified only as E, in Kampung Nanggewer, Cibinong district, Bogor regency.
He said the decision was in line with the regulation on securing public protests or civilian demonstrations. "But we are prepared for anything," he said.
The National Police arrested 30 terrorism suspects in May alone. They said the suspects were affiliated with Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), an outlawed organization linked with the Islamic State group. The police claimed they planned an attack on May 22.