By: Dwi Cahya Alfarizi )*
Christmas celebrations that fall on December 25, 2024 bring joy and enthusiasm that envelops Christians, including in Indonesia. Not only because of the many moments of gathering with family and friends, but also the hope to celebrate this moment peacefully and joyfully.
However, behind the crowd, there are challenges that must be faced, namely maintaining security and tolerance between communities. Security is the main key so that Christmas celebrations can run smoothly, without any disturbances that spoil the atmosphere. Starting from security at tourist attractions, to maintaining order on the highway, every step must be taken carefully.
In addition, maintaining tolerance between religious communities and various community groups is also no less important. Amid the diversity of cultures and beliefs that exist, we must ensure that Christmas celebrations do not become an arena for division. In a situation full of joy, it is important to respect each other’s differences and maintain harmony.
With high tolerance, religious moments accompanied by year-end holidays can be moments of joy among all Indonesian people. Therefore, maintaining security and strengthening tolerance is a shared responsibility.
Minister of Religious Affairs (Menag), Nasaruddin Umar, invited all citizens to not only celebrate their respective religious holidays, but also to support each other and maintain good relations with each other. Through this invitation, Menag hopes that we can show the identity of the great and civilized Indonesian nation.
Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar emphasized that it is important for religious communities in Indonesia to maintain harmony. On the occasion attended at the Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kanwil Kemenag) DKI Jakarta in early December, he said that differences are beautiful things and must be maintained with full respect. The Minister of Religious Affairs hopes that the celebration will not only be a ceremony for Christians, but also a moment for other communities to help maintain peace.
Meanwhile, the Head of BNPT, Commissioner General of Police. Eddy Hartono, explained that his party is committed to continuously monitoring the spread of radical ideology that can disrupt state security. At important times such as Nataru, BNPT takes preventive measures, including coordinating with the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) to remove content or narratives that have the potential to spread hatred and radicalization.
Eddy Hartono emphasized that if content is found that calls for anti-NKRI ideology or supports terrorism, takedown or access termination steps will be taken immediately. This is done to ensure that cyberspace remains safe from all forms of extreme ideology that can damage peace.
In addition, sterilization of places of worship is also part of a strategy to maintain security, which involves coordination between the police, TNI, and other related parties. Security forces routinely carry out this sterilization as a preventive measure to prevent threats that could endanger people celebrating religious celebrations.
Of course, these preventive activities do not stop at cyberspace and places of worship. BNPT together with other security forces continue to monitor the potential emergence of terrorist network groups that can disrupt public order.
Police Commissioner General Eddy said that his party is working with intelligence officers to investigate any potential terrorism threats that may arise. These steps are aimed at ensuring that every community can celebrate this important moment with a sense of security and peace, without fear of terror threats.
In maintaining security and order, the National Police also deployed 141,443 personnel placed in more than 2,700 posts spread throughout Indonesia. National Police Chief General Pol. Listyo Sigit Prabowo explained that the deployment of these troops was carried out to ensure that the spike in activity during the Nataru period could be maintained properly. Homecoming activities, tourist trips, and various other activities that increase during Nataru, are a special concern for the police to prevent criminal acts.
General Pol. Listyo also revealed that in addition to guarding the post, security forces also conduct routine patrols to various crowded areas to anticipate criminal acts that could disturb the community.
During the momentum of Christmas and New Year, maintaining security and tolerance is not only the responsibility of the government, but also all elements of society. In the diversity that is the identity of the nation, tolerance is the glue that ensures we remain strong despite our differences.
Efforts such as cyberspace monitoring by BNPT, sterilization of places of worship, and the deployment of thousands of security personnel show the government’s seriousness in maintaining peace during this important moment. However, the role of the community is no less important.
Mutual respect, avoiding hate speech, and spreading positive messages are real contributions to creating a harmonious atmosphere. When all parties play an active role, threats such as intolerance or security disturbances can be suppressed, even eliminated.
Let’s celebrate Christmas and New Year with a peaceful heart, mutual respect, and a spirit of togetherness. Only then can we ensure a more harmonious and hopeful future for Indonesia.
)* The author is a contributor to Persada Institute
