Foreign Affairs Minister: No Special Privileges for Bush
Tuesday, 07 November, 2006 | 09:06 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta: The government will not grant special privileges and protection for US President George W. Bush in Indonesia. Foreign Affairs Minister Nur Hassan Wirajuda said that the preparation will only aim at securing disturbances or threats that have been estimated beforehand, at the President’s office yesterday Monday (11/6).

Head of the State Intelligence Agency Sjamsir Siregar stated that up until now there are not any signals of terrorist threats to Bush when visiting Indonesia. Sjamsir said that the situation is conducive enough now for Bush's visitation. However, the government will still be on alert in spots that are subject to security aggravation.

Guarding, he said, includes anticipation of demonstrations that will occur. Sjamsir said that demonstrations against Bush can take place . Nevertheless, he has asked that they should not be carried in an ararchists’ way.

Chief of Indonesian Police General Sutanto has said that protection of Bush will be fully handled by the West Java Police and Bogor Area Police. Sutanto said that he will not send additional personnel from other regions.

OKTAMANDJAYA WIGUNA