TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The amount of security personnel assigned for Jakarta Deputy Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama - also known as Ahok - has been increased. Ahok said that the additional security details have reported for duty on Monday, September 15, 2014. "The additional staffs have come into work today," said Ahok at the City Hall on Monday, September 15, 2014.
According to Tempo's observation, Ahok's staff is usually comprised of seven people who works in shifts of two-days. Every day, a team of three or four people stands guard for Ahok. With the new additions, each team now consists of five personnel from Jakarta Police - with one member acting as an official driver of Ahok's state car.
Ahok said that he did not know the rationale behind the move to assign more security detail for him. He speculated that the additional security detail is assigned to ensure that someone remains on duty while the rest of the team goes for weekly Friday prayers.
Ahok also claimed that he did not put in the request for additional security, and denied that the additional security detail was assigned in light of a threat made against him. "Maybe it is because I am about to assume the governor's post," said Ahok.
LINDA HAIRANI
