`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