`I'm not worried about bomb threats at Xmas'

`I'm not worried about bomb threats at Xmas'

The police have tightened security in the city for the Christmas
holiday. Churches are also taking preventive measures against the
unexpected, especially during Christmas Mass, such as the series
of Christmas Eve bombings which marred the holidays in 2000. The
Jakarta Post asked several churchgoers about how they felt about
this:

Esti, 41, is a housewife who resides in Semper, North Jakarta,
with her husband and two children:

I don't worry about any bomb threats during the Christmas
celebration. I don't know why I feel safer now. Maybe it's partly
because many bombing suspects have been arrested recently.

I see that the city police have taken serious steps to protect
the city from possible bomb attacks, and I'm sure that the police
will check on everyone attending Christmas services.

The church administration has announced that no one in the
congregation will be allowed to bring big bags to the service.

In addition, there haven't been any problems with the
different religious communities. A Muslim neighbor has even
offered his front yard as a temporary parking lot during the
service.

Bernadeta Silaban, 62, is a housewife who lives in Gading
Raya, East Jakarta, with her husband and seven children:

Why should I worry about bombs on Christmas? I have faith so
I'm ready to give myself to God. I just keep in mind that death
can come to me anytime, anywhere.

I feel relieved though, knowing that there are no radical
parties that might disrupt the service. My church is actually
located close to an Islamic boarding school, but no one has
bothered our religious rites so far.

I remember a priest who warned us to keep an eye on our fellow
worshipers. If we see anything suspicious, we are supposed to
report it to the security personnel immediately.

I wish that the peace and the serenity of Christmas might be
with us all this year.

Sepha, 31, is a senior high school teacher who resides in
Serdang, Central Jakarta, with her family:

Honestly speaking, I think it's normal for me to feel a little
worried about the possibility of bomb attacks on Christmas Eve.

I just regret that I have to worry when Christmas is supposed
to be a time of peace, but perhaps I've been affected by the
Christmas Eve bombings of 2000.

Actually, though, I shouldn't worry too much, since we will be
celebrating Christmas at a small chapel in a housing complex. I
guess there will be less apprehension there, compared to bigger
churches in the city.

I do have to be on the look out for fanatics who might try and
disrupt the service, though, like what happened last year, when a
small group of people threw stones at us during Mass.

In anticipation of any incidents like this, the evening
service hours have been scheduled for an earlier time than usual.

Nina, 24, works for a private employer and lives in Tomang,
West Jakarta, with her family:

To be honest, in my heart I am not worried about the
possibility of bombs, despite what happened on Christmas Eve in
Jakarta two years ago.

Perhaps it is partly due to the safe atmosphere at my church
up until now. It has never had a bomb threat so far, and maybe
this has made me feel safe, too.

Besides, the police have been working closely with the public
and have been showing a serious commitment in making sure there
will be no incidents on Christmas. We have been advised to go to
church as usual, but without bringing any unnecessary bags during
the service.

In general, I feel that nothing will happen on Christmas.
Nevertheless, I will not attend the evening service -- just as a
precaution.

-- Leo Wahyudi S