PANGANDARAN, 21 July 2006 - Pangandaran beach resort in Ciamis regency of West Java province, which was recently devastated by a tsunami following a strong quake in the Indian Ocean, has been temporarily closed to the public as of July 20. The looting of hotels, cafes and houses in the tsunami-stricken tourist resort has prompted the Ciamis authorities to close the area temporarily, Ciamis police chief Adj. Sr. Comr Samsudin Janiep confirmed on Friday.

With the temporary closure of the beach resort, outsiders are denied access to that area except the police, members of the Indonesian Military (TNI) and rescue personnel. Journalists entering the location for a news coverage must be accompanied by security guards. Those who gain access to the resort are required to show their identity cards to security guards at the main entrance.

At least 588 people died, some 300 still missing and over 400 injured during the tsunami disaster, triggered by a 6.8 Richer scale quake hitting southern coastal areas of West Java, Central Java and Yogyakarta provinces on Monday.

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