Jakarta to Step Up Security in 1,600 Churches over Christmas

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – To step up security during Christmas and New Year celebrations, a total of 8,179 members of the Indonesian police and military, and the Jakarta Public Order Agency would be deployed to more than 1,600 churches across the capital.

“The security personnel will be deployed to more than 1,600 churches here [in Jakarta],” Jakarta Police spokesman Senior Commissioner Yusri Yunus told reporters on Wednesday, December 16.

Yusri said that the security measures will begin from Christmas Eve service to anticipate security issues or the Covid-19 health protocol violations.

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The church services will be permitted but must comply with the health protocols to prevent the coronavirus from spreading.

“The Jakarta Religious Affairs Office in its Circular has mentioned evening masses. For example, the mass at the KMGI in East Jakarta may take place two times and be attended by only 200 churchgoers. The rest of the congregation can attend virtual services,” said Yusri.

The Jakarta Transportation Agency (Dishub) has also been asked to control the traffic in several areas during the New Year Eve celebrations.

“Each of the relevant agencies related to transportation and traffic matter will hold meetings again. But, certainly, crowd-pulling events over New Year celebrations will be prohibited,” Yusri said.

(Writer: Muhammad Isa Bustomi | Editor: Sabrina Asril)

Source: https://megapolitan.kompas.com/read/2020/12/16/12281361/1600-gereja-di-jakarta-akan-dijaga-ketat-saat-natal-2020.