Obama: First Among Equals in Bali

No Extraordinary Security Treatment Planned for Obama Visit to Bali for the ASEAN Summit Beyond that Extended to Other World Leaders Expected in Bali.

Bali News: Obama: First Among Equals in Bali

(10/7/2011)

Jakarta Post reports that the Indonesian military command coordinating security for 18 heads of state expected in Bali for the ASEAN Summit November 14-19, 2011, says President Obama’s security measures will be in accordance with the strict protocols in place to keep all the visiting leaders safe.

Major General Leonard Louk, Commander of the 9th Udayana Military Command, said: “President Obama has confirmed his attendance at the summit. Our military personnel have also discussed with security officers of all visiting heads of state to ensure the preparations’.”

He emphasized that Obama’s security measures would be equal to those provided to other visiting leaders.

“We have held a meeting with the United States’ officer and they said they would follow our security protocol since they will be entering our territory,” Major General Leonard Louk added.

Bali will, however, have a massive security operation in place during the prestigious conference. Sizeable contingents from the Indonesian Army, Navy and Air Force will be deployed to assist the police in maintaining security.

Bulletproof cars will be provided to key delegates and warships will be patrolling the waters around Bali. Air Force F-16 jets will also be deployed over the skies of Bali to provide an additional umbrella of security over the island.

Wary of the potential national embarrassment of any incidents threatening the security of the ASEAN Summit, security officer are determined to maintain the peace and avoid a repeat of the Bangkok Summit that was cancelled due to civil unrest.

Source: Bali Discovery