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

Event

Authorities are bolstering security nationwide through at least Jan. 1, including Christmas Day (Dec. 25) 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, tourist attractions, and major religious sites. Authorities will likely increase patrols around churches for Christmas services, Dec. 24-25.

Transport Security
Authorities will likely increase security measures at transport centers, including airports, ports, and 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), Jemaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), and Eastern Indonesia Mujahideen (MIT), though officials have not identified any specific terrorist threat to the holiday period as of Dec. 12. 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.