DENPASAR ~ In preparation for the Christmas and New Year period, the Bali Regional Military Command has prepared 4,000 troops to support police and secure the island, an official said this week.

During a simulation of a hostage rescue in Nusa Dua, Territorial Military Commander Hotmangaradja Pandjaitan also announced the deployment of 900 specialized troops to prevent any terrorist action.

Pandjaitan said his troops always anticipated possible high-risk terrorist periods to Bali’s security.

“We must ensure peace and safety especially nearing Christmas and New Year. We will guard Bali, recently called ‘The Island of Democracy and Peace’ by the president, with our lives,” he said.

To show the readiness of the troops, the military held a simulation of a rescue of a state leader.

“We specifically train our troops to be ready for attacks, most likely by terrorists. We will also be training in hotels,” Pandjaitan said.