'I wish Jakarta could always be like this'

Many city residents admitted that they felt more secure during Idul Fitri this year. They said that police efforts to safeguard the city through several measures, including banning both the sale and use of firecrackers and raising public awareness on security precautions, had contributed to the improved security. Some people talked to The Jakarta Post with a general consensus that the festivities were far more peaceful than last year's.

Ryan, 27, has been a tattoo artist for more than four years at Blok M, South Jakarta. He lives in Petukangan, South Jakarta:

I think the atmosphere of the city during the Lebaran celebration was far safer compared to that of last year.

The biggest difference is that the festivities are much quieter and more peaceful due to the absence of firecrackers. I love it this way.

I also felt more comfortable and safe about going around the city during the celebrations, perhaps because the police have been taking their jobs more seriously. Maybe they learned their lesson from the bombing incidents in the country, and so decided to take the necessary steps to create a safer environment for the public.

In the past, the police were not vigilant about security during Idul Fitri, but the difference is obvious now.

I hope this condition can become the norm, instead of occurring only during the holidays. Should this happen, the low- income people will feel relieved and better about making their living here.

Lyla, 28, is a housewife who lives in Ciledug, Tangerang, with her family. She did not join the Idul Fitri exodus this year to celebrate the holiday:

I guess the city was under control during the Idul Fitri holidays. I mean, it was relatively safe despite the fact that I didn't go out as frequently as usual during Idul Fitri.

I'm also happy with the fact that there was less traffic congestion in the city. I wish the city could be like this all the time.

Last year's celebration was much worse as people lit firecrackers everywhere, but this year we felt more comfortable and peaceful, thanks to the ban on firecrackers.

I'm not sure whether this was a result of security operations by the police during the festivities, because I didn't see them around. But maybe it's true, I don't know...maybe the police did raise security following the bombings by terrorists.

Mamen, 20, is an unemployed man residing in Bintaro, South Jakarta, with his family:

Well, the city seemed relatively more peaceful than last year. I liked it as I could go anywhere without fear of any street crimes.

I guess this was partly due to the imposition of emergency laws, including one on the illegal possession of firecrackers that can put violators behind bars for several years. I'm happy to know that.

But, in a way, I felt there was something missing from the Lebaran celebrations without any firecrackers. It's not a big deal, though, since safety and security are more important.

I think the peace during the holiday not only resulted from the police doing well in protecting the city, but also because of increased public awareness.

Dini, is a student who resides in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta:

I can say that the atmosphere of the city during Lebaran was far different from previous celebrations. It's safe, I reckon, as the number of street crimes had dropped.

I don't know what's the most probable cause of the comfy atmosphere. Maybe it's because the police tightened security. But then again, the public's awareness and cooperation in guarding their own neighborhoods also helped the situation.

Anyway, I like the current situation because I feel safer about going out in the city. I hope Jakarta can be like this all the time.

Leo Wahyudi S