Denpasar (Antara Bali) - The Bali regional police command will deploy around 700 personnel to monitor security during the third congress of the country's third largest political party, the Indonesia Democratic Party Struggle (PDIP), in Bali on April 5-6.
The regional police command's chief, Inspector General Sutisna, said here on Friday he would pay attention to the security during the congress as it is a national event.
He said the police would pay attention to the security issue seriously with a view to maintaining the conducive situation on the island and supporting tourism activities.
"Yes, around 700 personnel will be involved to monitor security situation and help secure the event. I think it is sufficient," he said on the sidelines of inspection in a number of churches in connection with the services ahead of the Easter Day.
He said as the political event was more internal the police would only conduct monitoring. The police would not enter into the venue of the congress which is expected to be attended by around 1,700 invitees, committee members, congress participants and representatives from 33 regional boards from across the country.
"We will be on the second line. Well, we hope they can safeguard the situation by themselves so that the congress will run safely, orderly and smoothly as we all are hoping," he said.
He said because the number of participants is large the police have to stand by in anticipation against any eventualities.
"We hope the party's security taskforce would play the bigger role in maintaining the security of the congress. We hope they can make themselves in order by themselves. We should not go too far inside," he said.
PDIP will among others elect its new general chairperson now held by former president Megawati Soekarnoputri.
Many believe Megawati will still hold the post but young cadres are also expected to appear in the new board.(*)
