Gov’t Prepares Measures for This Year’s Christmas, 2024 New Year Holidays

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo meets the press after a plenary cabinet meeting at the State Palace, Jakarta, Monday (12/11). (Photo by: PR/Rahmat)

The Indonesian Government is preparing measures to ensure safety and security during this year’s Christmas and the 2024 New Year celebrations.

“We have just concluded a plenary cabinet meeting, one of which discussed the Government’s preparedness for the Christmas and New Year celebrations,” National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo said in a press statement after attending the plenary cabinet meeting on Monday (12/11), at the State Palace, Jakarta.

According to the National Police Chief, it is estimated that there will be an approximate mobility of 107.6 million people during Christmas and New Year holidays. The mobility of the community, said the Chief, must be handled properly to ensure a safe and smooth journey.

“The National Police is preparing for an operation to carry out security measures during Christmas and New Year holidays. We’ll carry out Operasi Lilin (Operation Candle) starting from December 22 to January 2 [2024], involving approximately 129,923 personnel, including the National Police, the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), and all relevant stakeholders,” he said.

In addition, the National Police will implement a number of traffic engineering efforts such as the contraflow and one-way systems.

“Of course, we have selected the traffic counting formula, which we have tried previously during Eid al-Fitr holiday,” he added.

The National Police will also provide security for the implementation of worship activities during Christmas services, be it on December 25 or other dates.

“We will prepare our personnel to sterilize places of worship to be used for Christmas services. And also, we will facilitate those who need a place for Christmas services,” he said.

For the record, the National Police will also take part in special task forces to ensure the smooth distribution of staple foods and fuel and to mitigate disasters in several regions as rainy season approaches. (KS/UN) (FI/MMB)