The Jakarta Police have planned a traffic diversion in anticipation of congestion during the takbiran (eve of Idul Fitri) celebration on Thursday. 

Takbiran is a popular tradition in the country when Muslims, in particular children, parade around the streets chanting praises to God on the night before Idul Fitri. 

Firecrackers and fireworks are usually ignited on the streets liven up the celebration. 

Jakarta Police traffic unit chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Budiyanto said traffic in Central Jakarta heading from Tugu Tani to Jl. Medan Merdeka Utara would be diverted to Jl. Perwira, Jl. Pasar Baru, Jl. Gunung Sahari or to Jl. Perwira, Tugu Adipura and Jl. Veteran Raya. 

Vehicles heading from Jl. Veteran Raya to Jl. Medan Merdeka Utara will be diverted to Jl. Harmoni, while traffic from Jl. Hayam Wuruk to Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat will be diverted to Jl. Juanda. 

Traffic from the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle to Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat will be diverted to Jl. Budi Kemuliaan. 

Meanwhile, the South Jakarta Police have beefed up security to prevent brawls during takbiran. 

The areas that will be closely monitored are, among others: Jl. Mampang to Warung Buncit, Jl. Saharjo, Pasar Minggu, Antasari, Fatmawati, Pondok Indah and Jl. TB Simatupang. 

“We will prevent the clashes of [youth] gangs. We’ve seen possibilities of brawls on those streets,” South Jakarta Police Chief Sr. Comr. Indra Jafar said on Thursday as quoted by kompas.com. (cal)