'Takbiran' banned amid security concerns
Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Governor Sutiyoso announced on Wednesday that city leaders would prohibit takbiran parades, the raucous street rallies held on the eve of Idul Fitri when revelers shout Allahu Akbar mostly from the backs of trucks as they roam city streets, because of security concerns.
"The city administration has agreed with the city police to ban takbiran parades on the eve of Idul Fitri early next month. The parade tends to have a negative impact, instead of being useful," Sutiyoso said.
Sutiyoso was speaking to the media after meeting with military and police officials at City Hall to discuss the city's preparations for celebrating the holidays of Idul Fitri, Christmas and New Year's.
The authorities had called on the public not to hold parades last year, but this is the first time a ban has been issued.
The new policy was formulated amid heightened security concerns in the capital, especially following the Bali blasts.
Takbiran is part of the Idul Fitri celebrations when Muslims mark the end of their one-month long fasting, and is usually held at mosques or on the street. Apart from shouting Allahu Akbar, revelers beat drums and other percussion instruments.
Sutiyoso said that the National Great Takbiran ceremony would be held at the National Monument (Monas) park and everyone in Jakarta was invited to take part. Representatives from all the provinces in the country will attend the event.
The governor has also instructed all five mayors of the city to ensure that Takbiran parades would not be held.
Sutiyoso said that during the three holidays, the city police would be launching security operations, which are code-named ketupat (a banana-leaf parcel of steamed rice), lilin (candle) and jaya (victory).
The governor said a security force of 15,349 officers, comprising personnel from the police, military, public order agency and the public, would join the operation.
The officers will be deployed at 90 areas around the city where trouble could possibly break out, such as railway stations, bus stations, markets, mosques and churches.
Sutiyoso also said that food supplies in the city would be adequate over the holidays. He added that the supply of rice would be adequate for three months.
He also said that the city administration, in coordination with related agencies, had prepared transportation for this year's holiday exodus, which has become a tradition for migrants.
He said that the city transportation agency would coordinate all land, air and water transportation during the holidays. As many as 6,562 buses have been prepared at the four main terminals in the capital and 13 smaller terminals.
A total of 47 trains with 174 cars are also available to transport migrants back to their home villages.
Sutiyoso said that 17 ships were ready, and seven more would be on hand to assist with sea transportation. The Navy has also prepared two ships and put three more on standby. As many as 127 passenger planes have been prepared to meet the rush going home, and if necessary, 10 cargo planes will also be on hand.