Denpasar Police Deploy 1,200 Personnel to Secure Ogoh-Ogoh Procession

Denpasar — A total of 1,200 combined personnel have been deployed to secure the ogoh-ogoh procession ahead of Nyepi Day celebrations in Denpasar.

The personnel have been stationed to ensure that the traditional community activities proceed safely and orderly.

Denpasar Police Commander (Kombes Pol) Leonardo D. Simatupang said in Denpasar on Monday that the thousands of personnel deployed come from the National Police (Polri), Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI), Denpasar City Civil Police (Satpol PP), Transportation Service, and village security units (pecalang) who serve as the primary element of customary-based security.

According to him, security efforts are focused on several locations identified as gathering centres and main routes of the ogoh-ogoh procession. One key location is the Catur Muka area, known as the zero point of Denpasar City and often the venue for the best ogoh-ogoh parades.

“Officers are also stationed at numerous strategic intersections or four-way junctions (catus pata) to regulate traffic flow and prevent total congestion during the procession,” he said.

In addition, security measures extend to traditional village communities (desa adat) and neighbourhood units (banjar) throughout Denpasar City, as most ogoh-ogoh parades are held locally within their respective communities.

In tourist areas such as Sanur, personnel are also positioned as the area has planned a pre-Nyepi festival expected to attract many visitors.

Denpasar Police have also implemented several technical security measures, including traffic engineering with sterilisation of crowded areas and vehicle diversion along routes used by the ogoh-ogoh procession.

To reduce vehicle congestion, several parking zones have been prepared at various locations, including the Ngurah Rai Sports Hall area, Veteran Street, Kaliasem Street, and the southern side of Sugianyar Street.

Beyond securing the procession activity, officers will conduct mobile patrols to maintain security at residents’ homes while people watch the parade or during preparations for Nyepi observance.

The Denpasar Police Commander appealed to the public to maintain order during the event, follow guidance from officers in the field, and refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages whilst participating in the ogoh-ogoh procession to prevent inter-group friction.