Indonesia readies prison island for drug convict executions

FILE - In this Aug. 17, 2015, file photo, Indonesia's President Joko Widodo salutes during a flag raising ceremony for Independence Day at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia. Indonesia has beefed up security at Nusa Kambangan prison island and closed it to visitors in a sign authorities will execute people convicted of drug crimes for the third time since President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo was elected in 2014. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim) (The Associated Press)

Protesters hold posters as they attend a rally against death penalty outside the presidential palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, Tuesday, July 26, 2016. Indonesian authorities are preparing to execute people convicted of drug crimes for the third time since President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo was elected in 2014. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim) (The Associated Press)

A protester holds a parasol while another speaks with a bullhorn as they hold a rally against death penalty outside the presidential palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, Tuesday, July 26, 2016. Indonesian authorities are preparing to execute people convicted of drug crimes for the third time since President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo was elected in 2014. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim) (The Associated Press)

Indonesia has beefed up security at Nusa Kambangan prison island and closed it to visitors in a sign authorities are preparing to execute people convicted of drug crimes.

The head of prisons in Central Java province said Tuesday that about 1,000 police have been sent to Cilacap, the town nearest the maximum security island, and that preparations on the island are complete.

Local media reports say 14 people, including foreigners, will be executed.

Last year, Indonesia executed 14 people convicted of drug crimes, mostly foreigners, sparking an international outcry.

The government hasn't announced a date for its next executions, or the number of people, but there are indications the death sentences will be carried out within days.

Two death row prisoners have been moved to the island since the weekend.