'I'm still a little bit worried about threat of bomb attacks at Christmas'

'I'm still a little bit worried about threat of bomb attacks at Christmas'

Jakartans still recall how the bomb attacks at several churches
on Christmas Eve in 2001 had wiped out people's sense of
security, a fear which lingers for many until now. With the
Christmas and New Year holidays already around the corner, The
Jakarta Post talked to some people about the matter.

Egidius, 30, is an employee at a private company in Palmerah,
Central Jakarta. He resides in a boarding house on Jl. Kramat
Raya, Central Jakarta:

I'm not so worried about security during the Christmas Mass as
the police have promised to do their best to provide security at
the churches.

We also see the police have intensified their drive to hunt
down suspected terrorists. I believe there will be no attacks
during the holidays.

Well, I'm still a little bit worried. Therefore, I prefer to
join the mass at a lesser-known church. I won't tell you where,
because I'm afraid the terrorists will read this.

Christine, 23, is a fresh graduate of a state university,
majoring in politics. She lives with her family in Kampung Ambon,
East Jakarta:

I'm not really worried about any bomb threats during Christmas
celebrations. I salute the police for their work in solving
several bomb attacks, so hopefully there won't be such attacks
again in churches or malls with Christmas themes.

Moreover, the police will have to guard every church,
especially during Christmas Mass. Besides providing security at
those places, they can also help in the parking lots. Usually,
it's very congested on Christmas Eve.

I don't think it's necessary to check churchgoers with that
metal detector before entering the church. Churchgoers should
just inform security guards of anything unusual, such as
unattended bags or strangers who have never been seen at the
church.

--The Jakarta Post