Ahead of the Holidays, a Concentrated Operation is Held to Beware of Potential Acts of Terrorism

This vigilance is important even if the potential for acts of terrorism is low to moderate.

FAKHRI FADLURROHMAN

Illustration - A number of police officers carried out sterilization measures ahead of the Christmas service at Jakarta Cathedral or Santa Maria Diangkat ke Surga Church, in Central Jakarta, some time ago.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — Polda Metro Jaya carries out operations on public or serious diseases ahead of Easter and Idul Fitri . At the same time, the government is alert to potential acts of terrorism and implements open or preventive security for religious holidays, namely Easter and Eid al-Fitr.

Ahead of the religious holidays, Easter and Eid al-Fitr, Polda Metro Jaya and district police arrested 309 perpetrators of 352 crime cases in concentrated operations. This operation lasted for 15 days with target operations and non-target operations. The most frequently revealed crimes were 182 cases of motor vehicle theft.

On Thursday (28/3/2024), the Director of General Crime Investigation at the Jakarta Metro Police, Commissioner Wira Satya Triputra, stated that the authorities targeted 71 specific operations. The remaining 281 cases were non-target operations.

Out of 352 cases, it was revealed that there were 3 murder cases in West Jakarta, Bekasi City, and Bekasi District. The highest number of cases involved motor vehicle theft with 182 cases.

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In addition, cases of gambling, extortion, severe violence, theft, sale of alcoholic beverages, possession of sharp weapons and firearms, and other cases have been uncovered.

The police also arrested 409 suspects, seized 7 cars, 117 motorcycles, 3 firearms, 48 sharp weapons, and cash amounting to tens of millions of rupiah.

KOMPAS/HENDRA A SETYAWAN

Illustration - Police officers stand guard and patrol around the Cathedral Church, Jakarta, Thursday (24/12).

Terrorism

As religious holidays, Easter and Eid al-Fitr, approach, the government is alert to the threat of terrorism. The police, military, and other agencies will implement open security measures and preventative efforts.

Minister Coordinator for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Hadi Tjahjanto stated in his remarks that vigilance remains a top priority, even though the potential for terrorism in the country is considered low to moderate based on reports from the National Agency for Combating Terrorism.

"Open and preventive security measures will be taken as there will be Easter celebrations in the near future and Idul Fitri will also be celebrated shortly," said Hadi.

Open security means security provided by the police, military, and others by using official unit equipment and uniforms. Preventive measures are aimed at preventing disturbances to public security and order.

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Hadi emphasized that, especially for Easter, which celebrations begin on Thursday-Sunday (28-31/3/2024), preventive efforts will be carried out to provide a sense of security to the community. The police and military will be proactive in mitigating potential disturbances to public security and order.

"It is hoped that security and order can be maintained, people can carry out their worship safely, peacefully and solemnly," said Hadi.

Regarding Idul Fitri, the annual exodus will create mass concentrations in various places, such as terminals, airports, and national vital objects. The police and military will secure crowded areas and ensure smooth movement for the exodus and Idul Fitri celebration.