By: Daniel Benedict )*
The public appreciates the Government’s efforts to keep Christmas celebrations safe and peaceful. This was marked by the smooth and solemn worship of Christians in various regions in Indonesia.
The end of the year is the time to look forward to because there is a Christmas celebration. Decorations in homes and shopping centers are filled with shades of red and green, plus images of Santa Claus and a spruce tree decorated with stars. Christmas is a happy time for Christians because they can worship and then meet their beloved family.
Christmas 2021 is celebrated solemnly even though it is still a pandemic. Corona did not scorch the Christmas festivities because this year mass was allowed in churches, with a note that they must comply with health protocols. The maximum capacity is 50% so the mass is held in hybrid, because some people follow it online.
To keep Christmas safe, the government does various ways. In addition to requiring celebrations with strict health protocols, there is also security around the church, which has been carried out since a few days before December 25. The Head of Public Relations of the Polda Metro Jaya Kombes Endra Zulpan stated that there were 1,670 churches that were secured before and during Christmas.
Kombes Endra continued, the 1,670 churches are not only located in DKI Jakarta, but also in Tangerang, Bekasi, Depok, and South Tangerang. No less than 8,000 personnel were deployed to guard Christmas and the new year, so that it took place safely and peacefully.
Security is also equipped with a metal detector to anticipate bad things. Every vehicle and person who wants to enter the church must pass through the detector. This is not an apranoid but a way to prevent terrorists from infiltrating and secretly carrying bombs attached to their clothes.
In addition to security around the church, security during Christmas is also carried out on major roads. Candle operation is a security that is held at the end of every year by the National Police. When there is a candle operation, in addition to preventing crime at Christmas, as well as controlling mobility during the pandemic. Don’t let it get stuck and cause the vehicle to not be able to keep a distance.
When Christmas is really guarded by the Government (assisted by the National Police), the special day will take place safely, solemnly and peacefully. In various regions in Indonesia, Christmas Mass is held comfortably, without fear of terror threats. This is also the same as last year’s Christmas and is expected to happen every year.
There were no reports of attacks or threats of bombings at places of worship and worshipers were able to celebrate Christmas without fear. They entered the church, which was heavily guarded by security forces outside and went home comfortable and happy. The safety of the people is a priority because they are Indonesian citizens who must be protected.
People were also ordered to celebrate Christmas while still adhering to health protocols. You can meet with extended family but you must keep your distance, don’t shake hands, and be diligent in using hand sanitizer. The festivities of Christmas are also accompanied by the discipline of applying health protocols, so that everyone can be happy on the holidays without fear of contracting the corona virus.
Christmas festivities are felt in various regions throughout Indonesia and people are happy because they can celebrate it without any threats from radical groups and terrorists. Security at Christmas is highly guarded by the government and officials, and candlelight operations and strict security are carried out so that the holiday takes place peacefully, so that it is hoped that it will bring blessings to Indonesia.
)* The author is a citizen/contributor of Citizen Journalism
