INDONESIA BOOSTS SECURITY AHEAD OF CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS

JAKARTA, Dec 17 (Bernama) -- Indonesia's National Police (Polri) has beefed up security measures ahead of the Christmas and 2025 New Year celebrations, with a particular focus on countering potential terrorism threats.

The police have deployed all available personnel, including the elite anti-terror unit, Densus 88, to ensure safety during the holiday period, emphasising the need for heightened vigilance, particularly during the celebrations.

"We're closely monitoring security during these critical moments," Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo said in a statement following a cross-sectoral coordination meeting on security preparations in South Jakarta on Monday.

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He said that Densus 88 would work closely with the National Intelligence Agency (BIN), the Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS), and the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) to bolster efforts in preventing and addressing terrorism.

As part of Operasi Lilin for the Christmas and New Year period, Polri has secured 61,452 locations, including churches, shopping malls, and tourist sites, and established 2,794 security posts across Indonesia.

Polri is also preparing for a surge in travellers, with an estimated 110.6 million people expected to participate in the annual mudik (homecoming exodus), with peak travel predicted on Dec 21 and 28.

"With the deployment of personnel and coordination with all relevant stakeholders, we hope that the celebrations will proceed smoothly, and that the public will feel safe and comfortable," Listyo added.

-- BERNAMA