'Takbiran' banned amid security concerns

'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.