Over 12,000 officers ready for holidays

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

In safeguarding the capital during the upcoming Ramadhan fasting month, Idul Fitri and the Christmas holidays, the City Police is to deploy a total of 12,628 officers across the city, particularly at 243 critical points, under the Operasi Ketupat Lilin.

To support the operation, City Police Chief Insp. Gen. Makbul Padmanagara requested on Thursday an additional Rp 2.3 billion (US$270,588.24) fund.

The fund, he said, would be used to provide meals for the officers assigned to the three-month operation, which starts on Oct. 27, but for only 10 days within that duration.

Half of the budget will be spent during the Idul Fitri holiday, while the remainder will be spent during Christmas.

"Expenses on other days will be financed by our own regular budget," Makbul said.

Makbul called on Jakartans not to hold parades across the city on the eve of Idul Fitri, as they could cause security problems.

The police plan to close Jl. Sudirman and Jl. Thamrin in Central Jakarta to motorized vehicles so that Muslims may perform takbiran (mass prayer on the eve of Idul Fitri).

Makbul reiterated that police must seriously anticipate possible terror acts during the holidays, because many people who were allegedly involved in a string of bombings in the capital, including the Marriott bombing in August, are still at large.

Makbul did not name the critical points in the city, but said police would be stationed at mosques, churches and other public places.

He also stressed that the sale and use of firecrackers and fireworks were prohibited during Ramadhan and Idul Fitri, as they were dangerous.