Churches packed on peaceful Easter
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Under tight security provided by at least 16,000 police personnel throughout the capital, solemn Easter masses and celebrations held in churches and other places in the capital ran peacefully without any terror attacks as recent travel advisories issued by a number of foreign governments had warned may occur.
At St. Theresia Church in Menteng, Central Jakarta, about 1,000 churchgoers of all ages and nationalities flocked to the church to celebrate their belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Men, women and children filled the church's pews 15 minutes before the 11 a.m. service started, leaving around 150 churchgoers either standing in the aisles or sitting outside on seats in the churchyard during the two hour mass, which was held by the St. Peter Canisius expatriate parish.
As they entered the church, parishioners were greeted by the sight of policemen toting rifles and had their handbags inspected. Vehicles were also prohibited from parking around the church's perimeter to avoid the possibility of a car bomb.
During the sermon, the parish priest, Father Nicolaus Dumais, warned the congregation of the "evil that surrounds us".
"Nowadays, darkness, unrest, opposition and murder are all around," he said. "However, do not be afraid. Have faith and believe. Remember, Easter is a call to live life fully."
Shortly before mass ended, the Easter Bunny made a special appearance and invited the children, who were literally hopping about in exuberance, to hop along with him and hunt for Easter eggs.
After mass, Father Nico said that he felt relieved that so many of his parishioners attended mass and that they brought along their children. "Without children, Easter would not be the same," he added.
Meanwhile, at the Jakarta Cathedral, Jakarta archbishop and chairman of the Bishops Council of Indonesia, Cardinal Julius Darmaatmadja, highlighted in his sermon the vital and crucial need of "having the spirit of sacrifice" for the welfare and prosperity of all people in the country.
Sacrifice, Darmaatmadja added, was something that went against the mainstream in a world that has put the power of the market, money and profit above all other values.
"The sacrifice made by Christ reminds us to renew our spirit of sacrifice in the struggle to propagate justice, fairness, a better quality of life and to eradicate corruption and other wrongdoings in our community," he said.
The festive mood of Easter was evident not only in churches across the city, but also evident at recreation centers.
Sea World in Ancol, North Jakarta, held games for visiting children, including an Easter egg decorating competition and an Easter egg hunt.
The management also provided a giant egg made of styrofoam measuring three meters in height and 2.5 meters in diameter on which five young Indonesian painters will portray the beauty of the underwater world.
Sea World president director Yongki E. Salim said that the giant painted egg will be displayed at the entrance.