Jombang Police tighten security for pre-Muktamar NU mass prayer

Jombang Police in East Java have strengthened security for the Istigasah Akbar mass prayer ahead of the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama Muktamar, which is expected to be attended by around 5,000 worshippers on Thursday (20/8).

“We must not underestimate an event that draws large crowds. All elements must make thorough preparations and coordinate well,” said Jombang Police Chief AKBP Ardi Kurniawan in a statement in Jombang on Wednesday.

According to him, the mobility of worshippers using various types of vehicles is a key concern for the police, particularly in terms of traffic management and security readiness around the event venue.

Jombang Police have coordinated with various parties, including the municipal police (Satpol PP), Military District Command 0814 Jombang, the fire service, the Jombang District Health Office, the Jombang District Transportation Office, sub-district governments, and local village administrations.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the organising committee for the Istigasah Akbar ahead of the 35th NU Muktamar, Gus Amin Yahya, said around 2,500 members of the Ishari group would take part in the event, including participants from Surabaya and Sidoarjo.

In addition to worshippers, a number of PBNU board members are scheduled to attend, including the PBNU chairman, the PBNU Rais Syuriah, and the PBNU organising committee chairman.

“To anticipate medical needs, the committee has also coordinated with the nearest hospital and prepared health posts around the event venue,” Amin said.

He expressed hope that the entire series of activities would proceed safely and smoothly. Cross-sectoral coordination also covered traffic flow arrangements, health services, and security schemes to anticipate various potential disruptions.

The Muktamar is the highest consultative forum of NU for discussing various organisational agendas. The opening of the event is scheduled to be attended by a number of officials, including President Prabowo Subianto.