Optimal event security is one of the most important aspects to ensure the success of an event, and avoid material losses, while maintaining the good name of the organizer, by creating a safe and comfortable space for all parties involved during the event.
When it comes to event security, the long experience of P1 Force’s General Manager, Mr Rakhmad Agung Wibowo, or Pak Bowo, is unquestionable.
Having more than 20 years of experience, Pak Bowo joined Nawakara in 1999, he was then assigned to P1 Force since its inception in 2000. P1 Force itself is part of the Nawakara Group which was established with a focus on event security & close protection services.
Let’s take a look at the intricacies of event security through the summary of our interview with Pak Bowo below.
Q: What Security Risks and Threats are Found in an Event?
Beforehand, keep in mind that the word “event” here is used as an umbrella term to refer to various events such as conferences, music concerts, sports tournaments, and so on. As such, the risks and threats found also vary depending on the type of event in question.
But in general, security risks that can be found in an event can be in the form of material losses due to pickpocketing, commotion due to the actions of irresponsible elements, to the most extreme, loss of life.
While security threats mainly come from people, from the actions they can take and the dangerous items they may carry. In addition, security threats can also come from natural disasters, such as earthquakes.
Q: In which areas are these security risks and threats likely to occur?
The vulnerable areas are areas that are crowded by visitors or event participants, namely areas that become entrances and/or exits as well as areas that become the center of activity of the event itself.
Especially in the entrance and/or exit areas, there is a high potential for security breaches such as pickpocketing, sexual harassment, and commotion that can arise due to things like irregular queues.
The same can also happen in the area that is the center of activity of the event itself. At its most extreme, the risk of loss of life due to disasters such as earthquakes and fires also increases. Especially if the event is held in a closed venue such as a building or stadium.
Thus, optimal security is needed to make these vulnerable areas safe and comfortable so as to ensure the success of the event being held.
Q: So, how does P1 Force implement event security optimally?
Framework Plan-Prevent-Protect
To implement optimal security, we certainly use the plan-prevent-protect framework.
In the planning stage, good communication is essential with the event organizer. Information such as the concept of the event, the estimated number of visitors, as well as the leaders of the third parties contributing to the security of the event, need to be provided.
A security assessment of the venue is also conducted. Such as the points used as entrances and/or exits, the security technology that the venue already has, and the capacity of the venue that will be used.
Also included in the planning stage is determining the location of the command center, creating a visitor movement flow scheme, and so on.
For each piece of information obtained, we will study it in detail. For example, we measure the number of visitors or spectators per square meter of space available at the event venue and the type of event being held. This calculation is done to get a safe number of visitors or spectators in relation to the capacity of the venue used. So as to avoid the occurrence of security disturbances such as overcrowding.
Through the learned information, event security measures to mitigate risks can then be taken. These measures include drills for personnel on duty in the field, especially for dealing with emergencies, setting up barricades, and installing security equipment as needed.
The final step, of course, is to carry out the security itself. Security is carried out by all personnel on duty professionally in accordance with established standards.
Although security is our main task, we also realize that comfort is a factor that cannot be ignored, especially in an event. For this reason, we also take various measures to keep the event comfortable.
For example, we place our personnel with communication skills at points that have high interaction intensity with visitors, or body checking at the entrance is done effectively and efficiently so that visitors do not have to jostle and potentially cause commotion.
Manned & Machine/Technology Integration
Speaking of body checking, the security activity is a good example of the importance of integration between humans and machines/technology for optimal event security.
In order for body checking to be carried out effectively and efficiently, it requires the use of machines/technology such as handheld metal detectors, walk-through metal detectors, or even x-ray machines.
In addition, the addition of other machines/technologies can also be suggested according to the results of the security assessment and the machines/technologies already available at the event venue. For example, the installation of temporary portable CCTV.
These machines or technologies still require humans to function to maintain security. For this reason, our personnel have also been trained to be able to operate these machines or technology. So as to create an optimal security unity between humans and machines or technology and streamline responses in the event of a security disturbance.
Coordination with third parties
If a security breach persists, coordination with third parties such as the police, fire department, or health officials, will be carried out if deemed necessary.
Coordination with third parties is deemed necessary when the field supervisor or commander considers that the situation causing the security disturbance cannot be handled by the personnel in the field.
Through the supervisor or field commander, the situation will be reported to the command center. At the command centre, the report will be analysed by top leadership to determine which third parties need to be coordinated.
With an optimised security system and a clear chain of command, this coordination is only done in a matter of minutes. So that security disturbances can be dealt with as quickly as possible.
Q: Can you tell us about a security event that P1 Force has done?
Of course, there are actually a lot of them. But most recently, we were tasked with securing the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup and the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Two international sporting events that are organized relatively close together.
For the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup, the task of securing one of the venues used is the Manahan Stadium in Solo City. Unlike the other venues, Manahan Stadium is used as a venue from the group stage to the final or from the beginning of the tournament to completion. The venue used for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup is the Indonesia Arena in Jakarta.
As it is an international event, the event security that is carried out also follows international standards according to the provisions given by FIBA (for the Basketball World Cup) and FIFA (for the U-17 World Cup).
All the stages described above are carried out in detail. Starting from the preparation of plans, and simulations when facing all possible security disturbances, testing the security machines/technologies used, and so on.
What’s more, in addition to event security services, our close protection services are also used for athletes, coaches and staff participating in the tournament. We provide 24-hour security, from their arrival to Indonesia to their return to the airport to return to their respective countries.
Thus, all activities of the event participants can be carried out safely and comfortably. So that they can maintain their focus on competing.
Through collaboration with various parties, careful planning and training, as well as the implementation of optimal event security, both international events can be held successfully.
With more than 20 years of experience securing various types of events, P1 Force and Nawakara use a tailor-made approach. The event security system can be optimized to suit the needs of each event.
This event security system includes well-trained personnel as well as good integration between man and machine/technology. Thus ensuring the safety and comfort of your event from start to finish.
Contact us for further event security information.
