Police deployed for holidays

Police deployed for holidays

SEMARANG, Central Java: Sixteen thousands police officers, or two-thirds of the total police force in the province and the special region of Yogyakarta, will be deployed to safeguard Christmas and New Year's celebrations.

Code-named Lilin Candi (The Candle of the Temple), the police operation will also involve personnel from the local military command, the Jasa Raharja insurance company and the Red Cross and the fire brigades.

Police spokesman Lt. Col. Bardja told The Jakarta Post that the operation will be launched to give people, in particular the Christian community, a sense of safety during the holiday season.

The police have also set up smaller outposts near places of worship, bus terminals, railway stations, recreational parks and shopping centers. (har/swe)