Police Gear Up Security, Traffic Diversion Ahead of Pope Francis' Visit to Jakarta

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Police of Indonesia is preparing several security measures ahead of Pope Francis' visit to the country on September 3 to 6, 2024. These measures include the security detail for events, early risk prevention, to tactical discussion on initial handling of explosives. 

Additionally, the police are gearing up for counter-terrorism and pre-operational exercises. 

"To ensure the security, safety, and comfort of participating heads of state/delegates by prioritizing preemptive and preventive actions," said the Head of Operations of Tribrata Jaya 2024, Commissioner General Imam Widodo, in an official statement received by Tempo, Wednesday, August 28, 2024.

The security preparations are also intended to guard the Indonesia International Sustainability Forum (ISF) 2024 on September 5 to 6, 2024. Meanwhile, Pope Francis is scheduled to arrive in Indonesia on September 3 on a special ITA Airways flight. He will fly from Rome's Fiumicino Airport to Soekarno Hatta International Airport.

Pope Francis to Lead Mass in Jakarta

Pope Francis is scheduled to lead a mass at the GBK Stadium, Senayan, South Jakarta, on September 5, 2024. The Jakarta Transportation Office and Metro Jaya Police Department will conduct traffic diversion to avoid congestion around the GBK Stadium.

Head of the Jakarta Transportation Office, Syafrin Liputo, urged residents to avoid Jl. Jenderal Sudirman, Jl. Gatot Soebroto, Jl. Gerbang Pemuda, and Jl. Asia Afrika during the Pope-led mass. 

"We have prepared an alternative route. From South to North, please head to Jl. Kebayoran Baru. Enter the Pondok Indah Arterial Road and make a U-turn,” Syafrin Liputo said on Wednesday, as quoted from gootoo.com. "Then, head to Jl. Teuku Arif and enter Tentara Pelajar, Pejompongan, and so on until Jl. Wahid Hasyim or Jl. Mas Mansyur to head south," he added.

The alternative route also applies in the opposite direction. Syafrin said residents are also advised to head to Jl. Tendean, Jl. HR Rasuna Said, and headed south.

"We will also boost TransJakarta services from bus stops where many pilgrims are heading to GBK,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the Metro Jaya Police Department estimates that thousands of buses will stop at GBK Stadium to take Catholic pilgrims who will attend mass. 

"There are 1,800 buses that will come to GBK Stadium. So, we will divide the parking spots, some in Kemayoran, some in Cawang, and Taman Mini," said the Head of Operations of Metro Jaya Traffic Directorate, AKBP Dermawan Karosekali.

JIHAN RISTIYANTI | DICKY KURNIAWAN

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