H

olidays are supposed to be a time when people can enjoy family time in peace. However, right now, people are concerned about the recent warnings of possible security disruptions prior to their vacation time.

The public warnings, voiced by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and National Police Chief Gen. Sutarman, could lessen the merriment of the Christmas and New Year holidays.

President Yudhoyono has warned of possible security threats during New Year celebrations on account of intensifying political competition ahead of the 2014 elections; while Sutarman said that the police had been monitoring what could be deemed as terrorist activities. The police chief disclosed targeted areas that included Jakarta, Central Sulawesi and South Sumatra.

To prepare for such disturbances, the Jakarta Police will reportedly deploy over 10,000 personnel to secure 948 churches across the capital, as well as 732 churches in neighboring cities.

We certainly cannot ignore the warnings from the President and the police chief because the information would have come from the country'€™s intelligence bodies. But spreading such information to the public inevitably sparks insecurity among the people.

 Despite the publicity, security institutions certainly need to beef-up security in the capital as well as in other regions, to prepare for any possible security threats during the holidays.

The deployment of security certainly is still needed without blowing up the situation so that those celebrating the holidays do not become alarmed. In the event that more security personnel are needed, they do not need to wear uniforms.

We suggest that security officers not only focus on securing houses of worship but also other places where people gather, such as shopping malls, hotels and other tourist spots.

Meanwhile, the public may help security personnel by remaining alert in our respective neighborhoods. Reporting any suspicious activities in our community to police officers may help prevent security disruptions in the capital and its surrounding areas.

Of course, this situation is far from ideal. For years, we have celebrated the holidays under security threats, which has been particularly disconcerting for Christians attending Christmas church services. But those with evil plans should not defeat us. They should not rob of us our happiness during the holidays, though we need to remain alert to any possibilities.

The successful arrest by security personnel of alleged terrorists in several regions is certainly good news. So let them do their job while we do what we can to prevent trouble in our neighborhoods.

Happy holidays.