JAKARTA - The Explosive Materials Disposal Team (Jihandak) of the West Java Regional Police (Jabar) carried out sterilization and screening at a number of churches in the city of Bandung ahead of the 2025 Christmas celebrations.
Kasubden Komposit 1 Jibom Brimob Polda Jabar AKP Hery Purwanto said his party had carried out a search of four large churches in the city of Bandung to ensure that the church that would later be used for worship was safe from interference.
"We carry out this activity to convince the congregation of Christians who carry out worship," said Hery in Bandung, Wednesday, quoted by Antara.
"The churches that were sterilized include the Cathedral of St. Peter on Jalan Merdeka, the Church of the Holy Cross on Jalan Kemuning, the HKBP Church on Jalan Riau.
1. Church of the Gospel of Indonesia Hok Im Tong on Jalan Cikapayang Dago, which held a Christmas Mass on Wednesday evening.
"The sterilization is carried out thoroughly, covering the area inside the church and places that will be used for worship events," explained Hery. "This includes checking locations that are usually accessed by church members or guests.
Dia memastikan Gereja Katedral Santo Petrus telah dilakukan pengecekan dan aman dari bahan peledak atau benda yang mengancam keselamatan jemaat.
"No items or objects suspected of containing explosives or bombs were found," he said.
Polda Jabar also appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious things in order to support the creation of a conducive atmosphere.
"A peaceful and safe Christmas is a common hope, not only for the church community but also for the entire Indonesian community," he said.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Bandung Police, Kombes Pol Budi Sartono, said his party also secured 166 churches with the scale of security based on the number of churches or the least number of congregations who will worship in the church.
"We have deployed as many as 1,500 combined personnel to secure the Christmas and New Year celebrations in the city of Bandung," said Budi.
"For the security of religious activities, of course we will secure all places of religious activities. Whether it is in a large church, a small church, or in places that are indeed used as places of religious activities," said Budi.
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