Depok Police Chief Inspects Gayatri Temple, Ensures Lunar New Year Celebrations Are Safe
Depok Metro Police Chief Kombes Abdul Waras personally inspected the Lunar New Year 2026 celebrations at Gayatri Temple in Tapos, Depok, confirming that festivities in the city were proceeding safely.
“This is what we hope for — it represents tolerance in action and the state’s commitment to protecting all its citizens in practising their faith according to their respective religions and beliefs,” Abdul told reporters on Tuesday (17 February 2026).
He said tolerance must continue to grow and develop across all levels of society, particularly in Depok. The entire series of worship services, from the eve of the celebration through to the day itself, had proceeded without significant disruption.
“We are confident that this nation comprises various ethnicities, religions and races, united by our forebears into the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia,” he said.
“Everything has gone well, from the evening worship service for Lunar New Year through to today,” he added.
For the security of Lunar New Year 2026, police prioritised three locations with the largest congregations, whilst maintaining even coverage across all worship sites. A total of 176 combined military and police personnel were deployed to ensure the solemnity of Confucian worship, including at Gayatri Temple.
“The security personnel we have deployed are a combined force. Since yesterday, we have secured several locations. In principle, we treat all sites equally. However, there are three locations we have prioritised due to their larger congregations. Nevertheless, security at other locations remains the same,” he explained.
He confirmed that, based on monitoring at several temples, security operations were running optimally and celebrations were proceeding smoothly.
“Thank God, so far based on our monitoring at several temples we have checked, both in terms of security — which has been carried out properly — and in terms of the celebrations, our fellow citizens observing Lunar New Year have been able to worship smoothly, in line with the hopes of the entire community,” he added.
Meanwhile, Gayatri Temple administrator Parman said this year’s Lunar New Year celebrations were solemn, with visitor numbers increasing compared to the previous year.
“We worship to pray that the coming years will be better than those before. There are more visitors now compared to the past, because the atmosphere is freer, safer, and tolerance is more palpable, especially with the presence of the Police Chief and his officers,” he said.
Parman noted that congregants came not only from Depok but also from across the Greater Jakarta area and as far as Bandung. The peak of celebrations had taken place the previous evening through communal worship and candle-lighting as a symbol of hope.
Entering the Year of the Fire Horse, Parman expressed hope that this year would bring enthusiasm and success for the community.
“The horse is full of spirit, and fire blazes with even greater spirit. The hope going forward is that our lives will be more spirited and more successful,” he concluded.