GOVERNOR : JAKARTA READY TO RECEIVE OBAMA

Jakarta, March 10 (ANTARA) - Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo has said that the capital city is ready to receive US President Barack Obama scheduled to visit from March 20 to 22.

"We have not received the details of his agenda which is still with the National Police. However, the security measures have started to be taken. Anyway, Jakarta often receives state guests and we have the standard operating procedure which is going to be applied (for Obama's visit)," Governor Bowo said here on Wednesday.

Senior Commissioner Irlan, the Jakarta Police's intelligence and security director, said Jakarta's condition remained under control and conducive to receive Obama.

"The security situation is conducive up to now, despite some street rallies on Bank Century (bailout case) in particular," he said.

Out of 137 rallies from March 1 to 8, 2010, registered at the Jakarta Police, only three were rejecting the planned visit of Obama to Indonesia.

Over the past three months, Jakarta had witnessed 350 rallies in December 2009, 271 in January 2010, and 296 in February 2010.

Security measures in several areas in Jakarta would be stepped up and local residents were urged to participate actively especially when they notice something suspicious, he said.

Confirmed agenda of President Obama would be a bilateral meeting with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at State Palace and a visit to Kalibata's Heroes Cemetery, according to the Jakarta governor.

"Others are optional like a visit to Menteng state elementary school. However, I have instructed that the area should be prepared (for possible visit). If he comes, it's good, but if not, it's alright," Bowo said.
Barack Obama, whose mother married to an Indonesian, spent few years in Jakarta in the 1960s.
The national and Jakarta metropolitan police began conducting "the Nusa Tujuh Operations" to secure the planned visit of US President Barack Obama in the middle of March.

"The operations will last until seven days after the visit," Jakarta Metropolitan Police chief Inspector General Wahyono said recently.