The Resort Police heightened security measures at churches in East Jakarta in the approach to Christmas Mass tonight in order to prevent any attacks aimed at Christian communities.

Hopefully, the Christmas celebration runs smoothly

East Jakarta Metro Resort Police Chief, Com. Pol. Nicholaa Ary Lilipaly stated he deployed 11 personnel of the Explosives Disposal Team (Jihandak) Gegana under Polda Metro Jaya to check 13 vulnerable churches. One of them was Oikumene on Jalan Angkasa, Halim Perdanakusuma.

At the Oikumene Church, personnel carefully sterilized the prayer room, pulpit, pastor's room, kitchen, public toilets, parking area, and others.

The same action was also spotted at Kebon Pala HKBP Church, Makasar. Fortunately, they did not find any suspicious objects in these two churches.

"We sent 620 personnel to secure 232 churches in East Jakarta," he expressed, after he led the Oikumene Church and HBKP Kebon Pala Church, Makasar.

To secure them, the police received power support from the national army (TNI), Satpol PP, and community organizations.

"Hopefully, the Christmas celebration runs smoothly," he hoped.

HKBP Kebon Pala Church Treasurer Sintua Luther Munthe expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the East Jakarta City administration and Polda Metro Jaya, who helped hold inspections and secure the church.

He added that around 1,300 heads of families were recorded or 2,000 congregations who held worship at the HKBP church. The Christmas worship services at this church were held three times, namely at 2 PM, 4:30 PM, and 7 PM.

"It will surely provide a sense of security for the Christians carrying out their worship," he stated.