PRESIDENT CALLS FOR NATIONAL ACTION TO FIGHT TERRORISM

Jakarta, July 31 (ANTARA) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called on all government officials to take immediate national action to fight terrorism together with members of the community.

The President made the request when tele-conferencing with provincial governors, regional military and police chiefs across the country here on Thursday.

"Do not underestimate the threat because terrorism can take place anywhere," he said and asked the governors to monitor their respective regions to prevent them from being used as terrorist bases.

President Yudhoyono also called on the community to take responsibility by conducting surveillance efforts in their neighbourhoods.

The head of state said one way of preventing terrorist actions was knowing the root cause of terrorism which was among others radical ideology, deviations of religious teachings and hardships.

President Yudhoyono on the occasion also spoke about a number of efforts the governemnt had undertaken to prevent a recurrence of terrorist actions such as strengthening intelligence, the police and military forces and public supervision.

He said the intelligence community, police and military were working 24 hours a day to anticipate a possible recurrance of terrorist actions.

He appreciated the installation of surveillance cameras and increased security measures in public places such as hotels, shopping centers and other business centers.

Regarding the bombings at two luxury hotels recently the head of state said the incidents were a setback considering the peace and order had prevailed in the country during the past four years.

"We must not step back again. We must stop terrorism," he said while expressing his appreciation for the public's resilience.

He said the incidents on July 17 had not caused the people to panic, become scared or disturbed.

During the conference President Yudhoyono was flanked by several cabinet ministers such as Trade Minister Mari Pangestu, Minister/State Secretary Hatta Rajasa, Home Affiars Minister Mardiyanto, Social Affairs Minister Bachtiar Chamsyah, Industry Minister Fahmi Idris and Information and Communications Minister M Nuh.