The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Shoppers and business owners in Jakarta have shown little sign of concern in the face of numerous bomb threats made against locations in the capital in reaction to the recent executions of the Bali bombers.
The calm was tested and found true Thursday when an explosion caused by a gas leak in the McDonalds in Lokasari Plaza in Taman Sari, West Jakarta, did little to disturb the normal business pulse. The accident wounded two of the restaurant's employees and shattered a number of windows in the immediate vicinity.
Taman Sari police chief Comr. Imam Saputra said Friday the explosion had been an accident and had no connection with any terrorist group. The police bomb squad also investigated the scene of the explosion.
Emi, a cell phone vendor in the mall said she had heard the explosion while eating in a canteen 200 meters from the restaurant. Her initial worry was that it had been a bomb, but having learned of the true cause of the disturbance, she returned to her business, along with her fellow vendors.
"The incident had no effect on business, there has been no decrease in the number customers or transactions," she said.
"I know there are a lot of rumors of bomb threats, especially after the Bali bombers' executions, but we have to make a living and not be afraid. The important thing is that we remain wary of anything suspicious."
It was also business as usual in other business centers. In Grand Indonesia, Rani, a shopper, said the continuous bomb threats wouldn't stop her from going outside and having fun in malls.
"I am a bit worried to be honest, but I won't become paranoid as a result. Besides, the malls have increased security measures at the entrances; We are now required to open our bags and show what's inside," she said.
"The terrorists win when we become too afraid and paranoid. We have to show them that we are not afraid."
However, Jakarta Police acting spokesman Adj. Sr. Comr. Mahbub said the police remained highly alert to terrorist threats.
"We have increased the number of intelligence police in public areas. They will gather data and information on rumors about terrorist activities," he said.
The police have recorded 26 bomb threats since Nov. 2, 13 of them coming after the Bali bombers' executions Sunday. So far, no actual bomb threats have been proven legitimate, and a number of people have been arrested for allegedly sending hoax bomb threats via text message.
"Whether you do it for fun or not, if you create a bomb terror message, you will be charged under the Anti-Terrorist Law," Mahbub said.
U.S. pop singer Rihanna canceled her show in Jakarta, scheduled for Thursday, following a travel warning issued by the Australian government.
The U.S. government canceled its long-standing travel warning on May 23, "due to objective improvements made by the Indonesian government", as stated in the embassy's press release made available to The Jakarta Post on Thursday. (hdt)
