The police have announced that the situation in the country is under control and it is safe to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve despite recent foiled bomb plots, which were aimed at creating fear among the public.

National Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Martinus Sitompul said on Friday that the police would maintain heightened security measures approaching Christmas and on until the end of the year in order to anticipate any threat, particularly of terrorism. The police will deploy personnel to secure churches, shopping centers, tourist spots and any crowded venues all across the archipelago.

He said police personnel throughout the country had communicated with church leaders to prepare detailed security plans to secure Christmas services.

“We have told church leaders to pass on safety measures to their followers. Everything is ready,” Martinus said. “There is nothing serious concerning us for the time being. Everything is under our control. We are prepared and will continue gearing up security efforts”.

(Read also: High explosive bomb prepared to attack State Palace: Police)

He further explained that the management of churches had also been involved in training provided by the police to anticipate bomb attacks.

The police have prepared 150,000 personnel to safeguard the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian himself is scheduled to tour churches around Jakarta from Saturday onward to personally check on security details.(jun)

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