VP APPRECIATES POLICE'S EFFORTS IN FIGHTING TERRORISM

Jakarta, March 10 (ANTARA) - Vice President Boediono has appreciated the National Police (Polri)'s efforts in the fight against terrorism following the killing of terror suspect Dulmatin alias Djoko Pitono.

"I give the government's appreciation to the Polri and all institutions and the people who supported the police raid on terrorist hideouts in Pamulang on Tuesday," the vice president said here on Wednesday.

The vice president made the remark after receiving National Police Chief Gen Bambang Hendarso Danuri at the Vice Presidential Palace on Wednesday.

Boediono said that based on the report from the national police chief, one of three terror suspects killed in Pamulang raid on Tuesday was identified as Dalmatin.

"Based on an overall report which has been confirmed, one of the three people killed in Pamulang yesterday was Dulmatin," the vice president said.

He added that the government would continue to make terrorist management.

"Operation against terrorism will continue to be made," the vice president said.

Earlier on Wednesday, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono announced the death of Dulmatin in Canberra during a luncheon with Autralian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd at the parliament building.

"I've just got good news from Indonesia. Our police have shot to death one of the top terrorists in Southeast Asia, Dulmatin, in a raid in Jakarta," Yudhoyono said emphasizing that counter terrorism was important to secure people's life from danger.

Yudhoyono's announcement drew enthusiastic applause from the Australian government representatives participating in the luncheon.

"The welfare of Indonesians and Australians is very important. Let us work together to tackle terrorism in the world," he said.

Born in 1970, Dulmatin was believed to have been one of the masterminds of the 2002 Bali bombings which claimed 202 lives, mostly foreigners.

Dulmatin was not long ago reported to be operating in the Philippines where he was several times erroneously alleged to have been killed by the military.
(O001/B/HAJM/23:25/H-YH)