Thousands of Pilgrims Flock to Larantuka, NTT Police Chief Ensures Maximum Security
Thousands of pilgrims from various regions crowded the town of Larantuka, East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), to participate in the series of Semana Santa processions in 2026.
To ensure all activities run safely and smoothly, NTT Police Chief Irjen Rudi Darmoko, along with East Flores Police Chief AKBP Adhitya Octorio Putra and main officials from NTT Police Headquarters, inspected security arrangements at Kapela Tuan Ma on Thursday (2/4).
His presence at the location demonstrates the commitment of the police apparatus in providing a sense of safety and comfort for all the faithful participating in the annual religious procession.
The Police Chief checked several security points, from pilgrim entry routes and service posts to the readiness of personnel guarding the area around Kapela Tuan Ma. He also engaged in dialogue with on-site officers to ensure optimal service to the public.
NTT Police Public Relations Chief Kombes Henry Novika Chandra stated that the inspection was conducted to confirm the readiness of personnel and supporting facilities in securing one of the important series of Semana Santa in Larantuka.
“NTT Police Chief wants to ensure that all personnel are truly present in providing a sense of safety and comfort to the public, especially the pilgrims participating in the procession at Kapela Tuan Ma,” he said.
According to him, security efforts are not only focused on the smooth running of the procession but also encompass public services, traffic flow management, and anticipation of potential public order disturbances around the location.
“All personnel have been instructed to prioritise a humane and compassionate approach, in line with the spirit of the Compassionate NTT Police,” he added.
With the swelling number of pilgrims, the police apparatus together with East Flores Police Resort deployed personnel at several strategic points to ensure community activities proceed orderly without significant obstacles.
At the end of the inspection, the Police Chief reminded all personnel to remain vigilant, maintain their health, and carry out their duties with full responsibility to create a safe and conducive situation during the ongoing processions.
During the security monitoring, the NTT Police Chief also directly inspected the health posts prepared for the pilgrims in Larantuka town.
The Police Chief ensured that health services operate optimally amid the influx of faithful participating in the Semana Santa series. He checked the readiness of medical personnel, availability of medicines, ambulances, rest areas, and emergency handling facilities at the health posts.
Several posts inspected were located around the Reina Rosari Larantuka Cathedral Church area and the main procession route to Kapela Tuan Ma, which is a concentration point for pilgrims.
According to Kombes Henry Novika Chandra, the presence of health posts is crucial given that the processions last quite a long time and involve thousands of people, including the elderly and pilgrims from outside the region.
In addition to inspecting facilities, the Police Chief also dialogued with medical personnel and guarding staff. He reminded all officers to remain alert, friendly, and responsive in handling every public need.
“Securing Semana Santa is not just about security, but also ensuring the public feels comfortable, safe, and served during worship,” he stated.