By: Yandi Arya Adinegara )*
The 2025 Christmas and 2026 New Year celebrations are a crucial opportunity that will once again test the state’s preparedness in ensuring public safety. With extremely high public mobility, the year-end holidays always present potential risks, ranging from traffic jams, traffic accidents, security disturbances, to the threat of natural disasters caused by extreme weather. However, this year’s series of end-of-year celebrations conveys one strong message: the state is present and working, while the public expresses its appreciation for the performance of the security forces and all stakeholders involved.
From the outset, the government has emphasized that Christmas and New Year’s security is not merely an annual routine, but a national strategic agenda. The Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, General (Ret.) Djamari Chaniago, emphasized the importance of integrated, anticipatory, and humane security. This directive aligns with the instructions of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, who prioritizes public safety and security stability. This approach reflects a government that is assertive and prioritizes humanity.
Evaluating security measures from previous years provides a crucial foundation for preparing strategic steps. During the previous Christmas and New Year period, the number of travelers reached approximately 95 million. Despite this, the situation remained under control and relatively conducive. In fact, data shows a decrease in traffic accidents of around 25 percent compared to the previous year, accompanied by a decrease in the number of accident victims. This fact is a clear indicator that inter-agency synergy is effective and has a direct impact on public safety.
As we enter late 2025 and early 2026, the challenges will not diminish. Increased public mobility has the potential to trigger traffic congestion, street crime, and even thuggery. On the other hand, extreme weather conditions also pose a risk of disasters in several regions such as Sumatra, Java, Bali, and Kalimantan. The government is not blind to this reality. In fact, with an anticipatory approach and cross-sectoral coordination, various potential disruptions can be managed early and prevent them from escalating into crises.
Concrete steps are evident in the policies of the Indonesian National Police. National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo deployed more than 147,000 joint personnel in Operation Lilin 2025. Security was comprehensive, encompassing places of worship, shopping centers, transportation hubs, and even New Year’s celebration locations. The involvement of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), local governments, and community organizations demonstrated that security is not solely the responsibility of one institution, but rather the collective responsibility of the nation.
The National Police Chief’s presence among the congregation at the Christmas Eve Mass at Jakarta Cathedral conveyed a powerful symbolic message. The state guarantees freedom of worship and ensures that every citizen can celebrate their religious holidays safely and solemnly. Furthermore, the invitation to pray for fellow countrymen affected by the disaster in Sumatra demonstrated that security does not stand alone, but is integrated with social empathy and national solidarity.
The National Police, along with all relevant stakeholders, are committed to ensuring the best possible security during the Christmas and New Year holidays, through cross-agency synergy and involving public participation. It is hoped that all Christmas and New Year activities will proceed safely, orderly, and conducively.
The government is also demonstrating its commitment to the transportation sector. Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi personally inspected Gilimanuk Port and I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali. This measure emphasized that public safety and services must not be compromised even after the festive period has passed. Anticipating a surge in passengers, checking the roadworthiness of transportation facilities, and being vigilant against extreme weather are the primary focuses. This approach demonstrates the government’s attention to detail to ensure a smooth flow of travelers during the year-end holidays.
Bali, as a major gateway for national and international tourism, serves as a crucial showcase for Indonesia’s image. The security of airports, ports, and tourist attractions on the Island of the Gods is not only about tourist comfort but also about the country’s image globally. In this context, synergy between security forces, transportation operators, and the public is key to success.
Public appreciation for security forces is also evident in the regions. In Garut Regency, for example, the synergy between media crews and police during Operation Candle Lodaya 2025 illustrates a constructive relationship. Moral support in the form of providing food and drinks to officers in the field reflects recognition of the hard work of the officers who have been on guard sinceFrom early morning until late at night. Humane and professional service has been proven to have a direct impact on smooth traffic flow and public comfort.
Amidst the complex social dynamics and challenging global challenges, the success of maintaining a conducive end-of-year situation has given the public optimism. Public appreciation for the preparedness of security forces has become valuable social capital. Going forward, this spirit of synergy must be maintained so that every national agenda, no matter how small, can proceed safely, orderly, and with dignity. The state is present, the authorities are working, and the public feels protected.
)*The author is a social observer
