Jakarta Cathedral Tightens Security for Christmas

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Jakarta Cathedral management is tightening security measures for the safety of the Christmas celebration. Congregants are asked not to carry excessive backpacks to the church to create public convenience.

"Congregants are appealed to not bring excessive bags or backpacks, just bring enough items,” said Head Pastor of the Cathedral, Romo Hani Rudi Hartoko, in Jakarta on Friday, December 23, 2022, as quoted from Antara.

Romo Hani also advised congregants not to wear flashy accessories. During the 2022 Christmas Mass, he said the church management coordinated with security forces, both the National Police and the Indonesian Military (TNI). 

Only one entrance gate will be opened, which is located opposite Istiqlal Mosque, while gates 3 and 5 will be opened as exit gates. Before entering the church complex, police officers will conduct screenings and body temperature checks to ensure the good health of visitors. 

“There will be a checkpoint in the entrance gate, assisted by the Polda (Regional Police) with assistive devices, such as x-rays. Everything is checked there,” Romo explained.

The Jakarta Cathedral Church prepared 2,180 seats for the congregants participating in this year’s Christmas Mass. In 2021, when restrictions to control COVID-19 transmission were strictly enforced, the church management limited the number of attendance to 650. Although the figure is far higher than the previous year, it is only about half of what is usually prepared before the pandemic.

SUNU DYANTORO

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo in Google News