'Takbiran' banned amid security concerns<\/p>\n
Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Governor Sutiyoso announced on Wednesday that city leaders would
\nprohibit takbiran parades, the raucous street rallies held on the
\neve of Idul Fitri when revelers shout Allahu Akbar mostly from
\nthe backs of trucks as they roam city streets, because of
\nsecurity concerns.<\/p>\n
\"The city administration has agreed with the city police to
\nban takbiran parades on the eve of Idul Fitri early next month.
\nThe parade tends to have a negative impact, instead of being
\nuseful,\" Sutiyoso said.<\/p>\n
Sutiyoso was speaking to the media after meeting with military
\nand police officials at City Hall to discuss the city's
\npreparations for celebrating the holidays of Idul Fitri,
\nChristmas and New Year's.<\/p>\n
The authorities had called on the public not to hold parades
\nlast year, but this is the first time a ban has been issued.<\/p>\n
The new policy was formulated amid heightened security
\nconcerns in the capital, especially following the Bali blasts.<\/p>\n
Takbiran is part of the Idul Fitri celebrations when Muslims
\nmark the end of their one-month long fasting, and is usually held
\nat mosques or on the street. Apart from shouting Allahu Akbar,
\nrevelers beat drums and other percussion instruments.<\/p>\n
Sutiyoso said that the National Great Takbiran ceremony would
\nbe held at the National Monument (Monas) park and everyone in
\nJakarta was invited to take part. Representatives from all the
\nprovinces in the country will attend the event.<\/p>\n
The governor has also instructed all five mayors of the city
\nto ensure that Takbiran parades would not be held.<\/p>\n
Sutiyoso said that during the three holidays, the city police
\nwould be launching security operations, which are code-named
\nketupat (a banana-leaf parcel of steamed rice), lilin (candle)
\nand jaya (victory).<\/p>\n
The governor said a security force of 15,349 officers,
\ncomprising personnel from the police, military, public order
\nagency and the public, would join the operation.<\/p>\n
The officers will be deployed at 90 areas around the city
\nwhere trouble could possibly break out, such as railway stations,
\nbus stations, markets, mosques and churches.<\/p>\n
Sutiyoso also said that food supplies in the city would be
\nadequate over the holidays. He added that the supply of rice
\nwould be adequate for three months.<\/p>\n
He also said that the city administration, in coordination
\nwith related agencies, had prepared transportation for this
\nyear's holiday exodus, which has become a tradition for migrants.<\/p>\n
He said that the city transportation agency would coordinate
\nall land, air and water transportation during the holidays. As
\nmany as 6,562 buses have been prepared at the four main terminals
\nin the capital and 13 smaller terminals.<\/p>\n
A total of 47 trains with 174 cars are also available to
\ntransport migrants back to their home villages.<\/p>\n
Sutiyoso said that 17 ships were ready, and seven more would
\nbe on hand to assist with sea transportation. The Navy has also
\nprepared two ships and put three more on standby. As many as 127
\npassenger planes have been prepared to meet the rush going home,
\nand if necessary, 10 cargo planes will also be on hand.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/takbiran-banned-amid-security-concerns-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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