Christmas Day; 136 Police Personnel Guard Jakarta Cathedral

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Hundreds of police personnel were deployed to guard the Christmas Mass at the Jakarta Cathedral, Central Jakarta today, Dec. 25. Besides the police, a number of Jakarta Metro Police's Brimob bomb squad (gegana) cars were also securing the area surrounding the church.

"136 police personnel are on duty today," Sawah Besar police sector chief Adj. Commissioner Maulana Mukarom confirmed on Saturday, December 25.

In addition to police, a joint personnel from the military (TNI) and Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) were also seen guarding the area in the vicinity of the Cathedral. Based on Tempo observation, the mass went well and the congregations seemed to have complied with the health protocol set by the church management. 

Visitors must undergo body temperature check and wear masks. They also have to scan the PeduliLindungi QR code before entering the church. 

The management limits the church attendance to 40 percent of the maximum capacity, or around 650 people. The mass services are also divided into three sessions; at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 5 p.m.

The Cathedral Public Relations official, Susyana Suwadie, said that his side was thankful the this year's Christmas service can be held on-site despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. 

"Representing the congregations that are able to attend on-site mass, we're definitely thankful that this time we're able to attend [Christmas Mass] on-site even though it is limited," said Susyana. 

Read: Jakarta Cathedral Caps Christmas Mass Attendance at 650

 

M JULNIS FIRMANSYAH