Indonesia: Increased security measures in place nationwide during holiday period through Jan. 1

Event

Authorities are bolstering security across Indonesia through at least Jan. 1 for the holiday season, which includes Christmas Day (Dec. 25), a replacement public holiday (Dec. 31), and New Year's Day (Jan. 1). The police will deploy additional personnel in Jakarta and other major cities to secure crowded public spaces, including shopping malls, open markets, transport hubs, and major religious sites. Authorities will increase patrols around churches for Christmas services Dec. 24-25, when Catholics and Protestants attend services. The central government has also instructed local officials nationwide to enforce coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions, including gathering rules, Dec. 18-Jan. 8, 2021, though the level of enforcement is unclear.

Transport Security
Authorities are likely to increase security measures at transport centers, including ports, and on long-distance passenger vessels nationwide. Unattended bags could prompt security operations at transport hubs and facilities. Increased criminal activity, especially theft and robbery, is possible at transport hubs nationwide. Police could establish checkpoints along major highways to and from Jakarta and other major cities nationwide.

Crime
The threat of pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and robbery typically increases during the holiday period. Police will likely increase patrols and deploy additional personnel at public facilities, including malls, banks, hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues, to intensify anti-crime measures. Residential burglaries are also common during the holiday season.

Terrorism
Authorities could issue terror warnings due to threats posed by militant groups, including Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and Eastern Indonesia Mujahideen (MIT), though officials have not identified any specific terrorist threat to the holiday period as of Dec. 16. Potentially disruptive bomb threats may occur at shopping centers, bus terminals, metro rail stations, ports and ferries, and religious sites.

Advice

Exercise caution in crowded public spaces. Plan for transport and business disruptions near transport centers and other public facilities due to increased security measures. Allow additional time if traveling to the transport hubs due to possible traffic congestion. Use caution if driving on major highways during the holiday season. Do not carry large sums of money and avoid ostentatious displays of wealth. Closely guard bags and other valuables at malls, airports, ports, and other crowded transport centers. Heed all official advisories and remain cooperative if stopped by authorities for security and health checks.