TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - National Police (Polri) Chief Gen. Idham Azis inspected the security post in Cathedral Church Semarang today, December 17, ahead of Christmas 2019. Idham arrived along with Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjanjanto at 02:15 p.m.

Their arrival was welcomed by members of the joint security team which consists of the police and TNI officers as well as the scout movement Pramuka and the Nahdlatul Ulama's (NU) youth wings Banser.

Idham also thanked civilians who participated in securing the 2019 Christmas celebration. "Banser always join to provide security during Christmas. I appreciate it," he remarked.

Banser NU has actively guarded churches during the Christian’s holy days following the order of the fourth president Abdurrahman Wahid or Gus Dur in the wake of the church attack in Situbondo, East Java, back in 1996.

Idham further urged Banser to coordinate with the TNI and Polri. "So that security measures are carried out in accordance with the SOP," he added.

In addition to the monitoring ahead of Christmas, they stopped by the Semarang Police Academy. "We check and recheck all equipment, vehicles, personnel, churches, tourist attractions, shopping centers, terminals, train stations, airports, and ports," said Idham Azis.

JAMAL A NASHR