Security Checkpoint Thwarts Attackers in Jakarta Mall

Security Checkpoint Thwarts Attackers in Jakarta Mall

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Jan 14, 2016

Indonesia’s capital Jakarta was hit by a series of bombings on January 14 that killed at least two people and wounded many others. A number of explosions rocked the city’s Sarinah neighborhood starting at around 10:45 a.m. local time, followed by a gun battle between the attackers and police outside at Starbucks cafe.

One of the attacks was an explosion at a police checkpoint outside the Sarinah shopping center. The attackers were apparently targeting the mall, but were stopped by security guards and taken to the checkpoint. It was there that they set off their bombs.

These events suggest that a potentially much deadlier attack was foiled not by special intelligence or security measures, but by the routine checks that are in place at many public building around the world.

Jakarta put these measures in place after attacks on the Ritz-Carlton and Marriott hotels in 2009. The check has since been called “security theatre” by the local onlookers, a source of both entertainment and inconvenience for most shoppers.

Shopping malls and offices are often equipped with security oversees, ranging from airport style x-ray machines to metal-detector gantries. These are common in some other Asian cities, like Bankok and Mumbai.

There has been reluctance to add in security checks at malls in the U.S. because of the impression that it would be too great of an imposition on life. Security experts have found that Americans have no appetite for making malls closed in environments with one entrance and exit and a metal detector.

Some have suggested that just creating the impression of heightened security can cause potential assailants to give themselves away. In the case of the foiled Sarinah mall attack, perhaps the bombers were scared off by the guards and also gave themselves away. If that is true, then the supposed “security theater” really has its benefits.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.