SECURITY TIGHTENED IN CONFLICT-PRONE AREAS

Jakarta, March 8 (ANTARA) - Security precautions in conflict-prone areas such as Poso in Central Sulawesi and Ambon in Malauku has been intensified following the arrest of several terrorists in Aceh province.

The Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs' Anti-terror Desk chief Ansyaad Mbai said here on Monday that the conflict-prone areas of Poso, Ambon, and Aceh were potential locations for terrorists to build their strength.

"The terrorists are good at imposing their ideology in these areas by replaying sensitive issues which have a potential of creating new conflicts. Therefore, security has been tightened in those areas," Ansyaad said.

He said the people have become increasingly aware of terrorist activities and therefore they need to stay vigilant along with the security personnel.

Ansyaad explained that the government, especially the police, continued to investigate the relation of the arrested terrorists in Aceh with external support.

"Whether or not they are linked with the Jammah Islamiyah or other international terrorist rings is not important but the most important thing is that they are terrorists and we have to deal with them firmly," Ansyaad said.

Meanwhile, National Police Chief Gen Bambang Hwendarso Danuri said on a separate occasion that at least 30 more alleged terrorists were still being hunted down in Aceh.

"The police have so far arrested 14 terrorists in Aceh but at least 30 others are still at large," he said.

He added that during the raid in Aceh Besar district recently, eight policemen were injured and four of them still in hospital, while three of the terrorists were injured but managed to got away.

But the National Police chief was reluctant to explain the terrorist link in Aceh and their target because he was afraid it would disrupt further investigations in the field.