Bali on alert as Indon tightens security

SYDNEY (AAP) - Security has been boosted across Indonesia, including in Bali, the scene of the country's most devastating terrorist attack, amid an increased threat of reprisals against Western targets following the death of Osama bin Laden.
Extra police and military personnel have been deployed to hotels and public places around the capital, while checkpoints have also been set up near US business interests in other parts of the country.
Security was also reportedly tightened at the US Embassy in Jakarta while the Australian Embassy remained on a heightened state of alert following the death of the al-Qaeda chief, killed in Pakistan on Monday during a raid by US special forces.
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Tuesday also responded to the news, saying his country "has a common spirit with other nations in fighting against terrorism".
However, the death of bin Laden has also angered some extremist organisations in the world's most populous Muslim country, with the hardline Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) declaring him a martyr and planning a prayer session at their headquarters in central Jakarta on Tuesday evening.
"This event is to say thank you for the services of Asy Syahid Syaikh (The Martyr of Sheikh) Osama bin Laden. May God destroy His enemies and give victory over all mujahid (warriors) on His path," FPI leader Habib Rizieq reportedly said.
In Bali, police began checking vehicles in the Kuta Beach area, the scene of the 2002 bombings that killed 202 people including 88 Australians, after Governor Made Mangku Pastika called for the alert level to be raised.
"We are on alert. The main point is to take extra precautions in terms of early detection and early warning," he said.
He said Bali, in particular, would be a target for groups wanting to retaliate after bin Laden's death.
"Osama's followers will not stay silent. They're certainly moving and Indonesia will become an easy target, especially Bali because there are close links between Osama bin Laden and the Bali bombings.
"For tourists, as long as they are in Bali, we're responsible for their safety and comfort. We'll surely provide security for foreign tourists, not only Americans but everyone."
Australia has not specifically upgraded its travel advice for Indonesia, but the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has warned citizens abroad to exercise enhanced vigilance regarding their personal security.
The DFAT advice for Indonesia, updated last week in response to a foiled plot to blow up a church in Jakarta on Good Friday, remains that Australians should reconsider their need to travel the country, including Bali, "due to the very high threat of terrorist attack".
In other parts of the country, police conducted random identity checks, including on public buses, while checkpoints were set up on roads in other locations, including outside the Chevron mining complex in Pekanbaru in Sumatra.
Members of the public have also been asked to be more vigilant, and to report anything suspicious.
While analysts say bin Laden had no direct control over terrorist activities in South-East Asia, there have been clear links between al-Qaeda and organisations in the region, including Jemaah Islamiah (JI), the group responsible for the 2002 attacks in Bali.
Abu Bakar Bashir, who co-founded JI, is now awaiting the outcome of his trial on fresh terrorism charges in relation to the discovery last year of a new terrorist cell, known as Takjim al-Qaeda Serambi Mekah (al-Qaeda of the Veranda of Mecca).
The 72-year-old served almost 26 months in prison for conspiracy over the 2002 Bali bombings but was later acquitted on appeal.
The increased security measures in Indonesia come as it also prepares to welcome leaders from throughout South-East Asia when it hosts the ASEAN Summit in Jakarta from May 4-8.
Leaders from 10 countries from around the region are scheduled to arrive at the summit on Friday.