Latest Bomb in Jakarta

Received distressing news about a bomb exploding at the basement of the JW Marriott Hotel here at Kuningan about ten minutes away from our office at Metropolitan. No news about casualties yet. But eye-witness accounts from my colleagues who happen to be working on-site at Excelcom opposite the hotel report smoke billowing out and guests in bathrobes being evacuated.

JW Marriott is a popular hotel for many of our colleagues from Malaysia and Singapore. It got a boost in business early last year when the Regent Jakarta had to be closed down because of damages caused by the floods. Many guests had to be evacuated to the Marriott.

Coincidentally, the Regent Jakarta just reopened yesterday. I suppose all the guests would have to be evacuated back to the Regent now.

Security at the Marriott has always been very tight. All guests entering the lobby are screened through metal detectors; the underside and trunk of cars entering the basement are also examined thoroughly by security guards. However it is still not surprising to see this happening. Terrorism, like prostitution and drugs, can never be totally eliminated.

There have been a lull in terrorist activities these past few months in Jakarta. The last bomb was one that exploded harmlessly behind the UN building, supposedly planted by GAM (Free Aceh Movement) supporters.

I guess it's back to business as usual in Jakarta.