Indonesia warns of threat before Bali anniversary

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http://www.todayonline.com/World/EDC121010-0000144/Indonesia-warns-of-threat-before-Bali-anniversary

Indonesian police today warned of a possible terrorist threat targeting dignitaries planning to commemorate Friday's 10th anniversary of the Bali bombings, raising the country's security alert to its highest level.

Reports involving the "certain movement'' of terrorists have been received, said Bali Police Brig Gen I Ketut Untung Yoga Ana. He said security had been tightened at all entry points to the resort island prior to Friday's ceremony, and that snipers will be placed around memorial sites.

"We have prepared a maximum security arrangement, even for the post commemoration," he said. He declined to provide any specific details about the threat.

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard is scheduled to attend the event remembering the Oct 12, 2002, attacks that blasted two Bali nightclubs. The bombs killed 202 people, including 88 Australians and seven Americans. It was carried out by Jemaah Islamiyah, an Al-Qaeda-linked group.

A ceremony will be held at a park in Jimbaran followed by a ground-zero memorial in Kuta.

Former Australian Premier John Howard, along with survivors and victims' families, are also expected to attend.

"It is better not to underestimate. It is better to carry out an excessive security arrangement rather than being cheated,'' said Bali police Chief Maj Gen Budi Gunawan. "At stake is the image of Indonesia's police."

After a massive crackdown on Muslim extremists, terrorist attacks aimed at foreigners in Indonesia have been largely replaced in recent years by smaller, less deadly strikes targeting the government.