Following Jakarta attacks, Indonesian police step up security

In the wake of a deadly bomb and gun attack in Jakarta, Indonesian police said on Friday (Jan 15) that security will be stepped up across the city, as part of preventive measures.

Police presence will be doubled at key areas, including embassies and hospitals, said Metropolitan Police Chief of Public Relations Mohammad Iqbal. He added that security will also be tightened at shopping malls.

“The police can guarantee that after the blasts yesterday, the situation is safe,” he added.

Mohammad Iqbal also confirmed that two of the five assailants killed in the attacks were suicide bombers, and that they were likely part of a terror network.

Multiple explosions tore through the heart of the Indonesian capital on Thursday morning near a police post and shopping mall. The police and the attackers exchanged fire after the blasts. Local authorities said at the time that there were 10 to 14 assailants in total.

At least seven people, including the attackers, were killed in the incident. A total of 24 others, consisting of foreigners, Indonesian nationals and police personnel, were injured.

The Islamic State militant group has claimed responsibility for the attacks. 

Indonesian police have revealed that in late December, they had received a warning that there would be an "incident that could become international news".

Local analysts told Reuters that about 800 Indonesians have joined the Islamic State group to fight in the Middle East and many have already returned to Indonesia.