Jakarta Bombing 2009

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Indonesia's security minister says nine people have been killed and 50 wounded in hotel blasts in downtown Jakarta.

The minister says a New Zealander was among those killed. Thirteen other foreigners were among injured in the blasts at the Ritz-Carlton and Marriott hotels.

The Marriott hotel was attacked in 2003, when 12 died, but it has been more than three years since a major terrorist attack in Indonesia.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) – A pair of powerful bombs exploded at two luxury hotels in an upscale Jakarta business district Friday, killing 6 and wounding at least 36, officials said.

The blasts at the neighboring Ritz-Carlton and Marriott hotels blew out windows and scattered debris and glass across the street.

Dr. Cahyonod at the Jakarta Hospital and a police spokesman said six people were killed. South Jakarta police Col. Firman Bundi earlier said that four of the dead were foreigners.

At the Metropolitan Medical Center, a list was posted with the names of 36 people wounded. An official at the registration office said 11 were foreigners. She declined to give her name because she was not authorized to speak to the media.

Alex Asmasubrata, who was jogging by the hotels, said he first heard a loud explosion at the Marriott. Five minutes later, a bomb followed at the Ritz.

The Marriott hotel was attacked in 2003, when 12 died. Southeast Asian terror network Jemaah Islamiyah was blamed in that blast, but there has been a massive crackdown by anti-terror officials, and it has been more than three years since a major terrorist attack in Indonesia and the network.

The Manchester United football team was scheduled to stay at the Ritz on Saturday and Sunday nights for a friendly match against the Indonesian All Stars, the Indonesian Football association said.

International hotels, which by their nature must be open and accessible for visitors and guests, make attractive targets for terror attacks. Complete security is virtually impossible, despite security barriers, metal detectors and high-tech surveillance gear.

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