The government continues to be optimal in suppressing the movement of radical groups. However, the public and security forces are asked to increase synergy and vigilance against potential terror threats ahead of Christmas and New Year (Nataru).
The children are always enthusiastic towards the end of the year because there is a long vacation, and they can take a break from the tiring schoolwork. Usually the holidays are filled with traveling but because of the pandemic, their parents just make them happy by going to the mall or other public places.
However, parents must be vigilant because in public places there is the potential for disruption, not only transmission of the virus but also threats and terror. The terrorists often take advantage of the end of the year to bomb, because they know that many are on vacation and end up traveling to shopping centers. They also target houses of worship because they have no tolerance at all.
Head of Indonesia Police Watch Neta S Pane stated that radicals and terrorism networks got the wind to carry out terror at the end of the year, because of the rampant intolerance movement. From observations, there are high-ranking banned mass organizations involved in terrorism cases.
Neta continued, the Police need to be more careful because when the corona case declines there will be a potential for crowds, and don’t be fooled. The reason is that when there is a lack of security, terrorists will use them to carry out bombings and other acts of terror. Former terrorist convicts also need to be wary of committing crimes again.
At the end of the year, it is very vulnerable because a few moments ago there was a bombing in front of a house of worship. Don’t let this bitter incident happen again. Therefore, the Police are even stricter in maintaining public security and order, as well as carrying out candle operations. So that there will be raids, there will be no civilians secretly carrying sharp weapons, let alone Molotov cocktails.
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo stated that the police ranks need to be more sensitive in responding to acts of terrorism. To prevent terror at the end of the year, there is a mapping of potential vulnerabilities in various regions. Anticipatory steps need to be taken so that the Police do not miss out.
Potential vulnerabilities exist in various places throughout Indonesia. The first is in places of worship, because terrorists do not have empathy and tolerance, so they think that those who are different are enemies. The second is in entertainment venues such as night clubs and cafes, because they consider it a place of immorality, even though what is served is only music to entertain the public.
While the third, public places such as malls and other shopping centers. At the end of the year we know that there is a Christmas celebration. The police prevent radical mass organizations from sweeping carelessly and removing Santa’s hats or cypress trees. There is also tight security so that the mall will not be a target for bombing by terrorist groups.
The National Police also cooperates with the anti-terror Detachment 88 to continue to arrest terrorists scattered throughout Indonesia. Their network is indeed extensive, even to overseas (such as the Philippines). However, when a terrorist is caught, he can be interrogated and become an informant, so that his network is exposed and more terrorists are caught, so as not to disturb the public.
Ahead of the year-end holidays, the Police are stricter in maintaining security, so that there are no terrors or bombings carried out by terrorists. Candle operations were carried out to make the situation more conducive. In front of the house of worship, security has also been tightened, so that there is no terror that makes people afraid to come and celebrate holidays there.
)* The author is a contributor to the Press Circle and Cikini Students
