20 Dec 2023 | 06:29 AM UTC
Indonesia: Heightened security measures and traffic restrictions in place nationwide during holiday period through Jan. 2
Security and traffic curbs planned for the holiday season across Indonesia through at least Jan. 2. Disruptions possible.
Authorities are bolstering security nationwide through at least Jan. 2, including Christmas Day (Dec. 25) and New Year's Day (Jan. 1). The police will deploy over 70,000 officers and soldiers nationwide to secure crowded public spaces, including shopping malls, open markets, transport hubs, tourist attractions, and major religious sites. At least 50,000 personnel from various state institutions, including the Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of Health, will also deploy to meet operational demands. Authorities will likely increase patrols around churches for Christmas services, including the national Christmas celebration in Nginden Bethany Church, Surabaya City, East Java, Dec. 27; organizers estimate at least 30,000 participants for the event.
Transport
Authorities are imposing traffic restrictions on regional expressways and arterial roads to curb heavy travel volume as people return to their hometowns. Increased traffic congestion and travel delays are likely, especially Dec. 23-24 and Dec. 30-31, the weekends before Christmas and New Year's Eve, respectively. Officials will likely increase security measures at transport centers nationwide, including airports, ports, and long-distance passenger vessels. 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
Security agencies could issue terror warnings due to threats posed by militant groups, including Anshor Daulah (AD), Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), and Jemaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD). While authorities have arrested at least 27 members of the AD and JI groups in the past months over alleged plans to carry out attacks in Riau during this festive season, there have been no alerts on specific terrorist threats as of Dec. 20. Potentially disruptive bomb threats may occur at shopping centers, bus terminals, metro rail stations, ports and ferries, and religious sites.
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. Heavy traffic is likely on main highways; drive defensively and consider minimizing unnecessary trips on the days before and after the public observance of the holidays. 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.
