By: Kevin Sianturi )*
The 2021 Christmas celebration is the moment that many people have been waiting for. The public and the government are also asked to continue to synergize and maintain a conducive situation in order to realize a safe and peaceful Christmas Celebration.
The end of the year brings peace to Christians as they celebrate Christmas and welcome the new year. Holidays are always welcomed with joy, because they can do Christmas mass, exchange gifts, and end with a meal together. However, this happiness could be taken away because of the current Corona pandemic, so everyone must remain vigilant.
In addition to the threat of Corona, Christmas celebrations must also be secured because there could be a bomb threat from terrorists (if we look at the events in previous years). Don’t let December become a bloody month because of the actions of irresponsible groups. Therefore, the government is trying hard so that Christmas can be safe, both from the threat of Corona transmission and terrorist attacks.
To prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus again, this year it is permissible to hold a Christmas mass at the church but it is carried out in a hybrid way, aka half online and half offline. The maximum capacity in the house of worship can only be 50% so that the hybrid system is an option. People who are still worried about the spread of Corona can join worship via live streaming.
Hybird worship is indeed a new thing during a pandemic but it is hoped that it will not reduce its solemnity. People will still focus on worshiping and celebrating Christmas even though they cannot come directly to church. Meanwhile, for those who can come in person, they must maintain health protocols by using hand sanitizer and maintaining distance, and avoiding shaking hands and kissing.
In addition to anticipating the spread of the Corona virus, at Christmas there is also tight security, so that there is no chaos based on SARA. The government urges the public to prioritize tolerance, because as a country with a pluralistic people, tolerance is the key to peace. With tolerance, Christians can celebrate Christmas happily, because they are welcomed by others.
If everyone has good tolerance then we are optimistic that Christmas 2021 will go smoothly, without any friction between residents. They are also not triggered by provocations from irresponsible parties. Sweeping that occurred at Christmas and acts of intolerance have also been greatly prevented because the government has disbanded mass organizations that often do so, because they are proven to be radical and affiliated with terrorists.
To realize a safe and peaceful Christmas, the security forces are tightening their guard. First, intensified raids and candle operations. The aim is not only to facilitate mobility during the Nataru holidays (Christmas and New Year’s) as well as to prevent suspicious people from carrying sharp weapons, even Molotov cocktails.
The second way is to arrest terrorists in several areas, from Batam to North Sumatra. Preventive measures must be taken to ensure the safety of the people. Don’t let them be afraid to worship on Christmas because of the terrorist threat. A few days before December 25, many churches were checked for security by the police, lest anyone be misled and it turns out to be infiltrated by explosives.
Security during Christmas is highly guarded by the authorities, the goal is that Christians can worship and celebrate Christmas in peace and not worry about threats from terrorist groups. In addition, the government has also made a scheme so that Christmas worship runs smoothly without any transmission of Corona, by limiting the maximum capacity of only 50%. Christmas celebrations will still be solemn even though it is held in a hybrid manner.
)* The author is a citizen / contributor to Citizen Journalists
