[Marinir] Explosion in JW MArriott hotel @ Mega Kuningan Jakarta

[Hong Gie]

Message


FYI.

-----Original Message-----


MARRIOT BOMB
A car bomb exploded near the entrance to the Marirot Hotel during lunch hour
today, causing significant damage to the front of the hotel. Initial media
and police reports suggest at least seven people were killed and 64 injured
after a bomb that appears to have been planted in a Silver Bird taxi
exploded. Additional casualties are anticipated. It is not known whether the
vehicle was occupied. Fires were seen burning in the hotel restaurant and
lobby area more than an hour after the explosion at about 12.30 p.m. The
timing, location and size of the bombing indicates the bombers intended to
strike at what they perceived to be a Western target and aimed to inflict
considerable casualties.
It is too early to other than speculate on who might be responsible for the
bombing. But it does fit with the known modus operandi of Jemaah Islamiah.
There was no prior warning of the bombing and no claims of responsibility.
Police and foreign security officials have uncovered evidence in recent
times that JI has been actively planning further bombings, following its
attack in Bali on 12 October. This act brings to fruition the often-repeated
fears of Western embassies and security agencies over the potential for
attacks on so-called soft targets.
In light of today's events, clients are advised to review and enforce office
and residential security procedures. As yet, there is no information on
whether the bombing is intended to be part of a chain of attacks. But,
consistent with advice over the past several months, it is prudent to
exercise a high level of caution and, if possible, to avoid locations where
Westerners are known to congregate, including hotels and places of
entertainment.
The police bomb squad is at the scene of the bombing, and have only just
started to investigate. Necessarily information on the circumstances and
those responsible remains sketchy. AGI will continue to inform clients as
information comes to hand. It will also follow with advice on security
procedures