The Number Of Congregations Is Above 500 With Locations On Road Crossing, 12 Churches In Tangerang City Get Priority Security

Tangerang City Metro Police Chief, Kombes Pol Zain Dwi Nugrogo during a check at the Khatolik Hati Santa Perawan Maria Church, Thursday/ANTARA

TANGERANG - Tangerang City Metro Police stated that as many as 12 churches received priority security during Christmas celebrations because their location was on the side of the road and the number of congregants was above 500 people. "From a number of existing churches, 12 churches have priority security. This is based on the vulnerability of the church location on the side of the road or the number of congregations above 500 people," said Tangerang City Metro Police Chief, Kombes Zain Dwi Nugrogo during a check at the Catholic Church. Hati Santa Perawan Maria in Tangerang, Banten, Antara, Thursday, December 22. He explained, for the 12 churches that received priority security, 31 officers from the police, TNI and Tangerang City Satpol PP were assigned with a more stringent and intense security system. In addition, the Tangerang City Metro Police has also checked, sterilized and secured all churches in Tangerang City. "For the past few days, the National Police and joint officers have carried out security assessments and coordinated with the committees of all churches in the city of Tangerang. Moreover, checking directly to see the extent of the security system, the flow in and out of the congregation, parking points, including the completeness of infrastructure such as CCTV, metal detectors and other equipment,” he said. He also stated that the number of personnel prepared for Christmas and New Year's security was 1,338 joint personnel who were deployed to secure the environment, traffic to all churches in Tangerang City. In sterilizing the church, the police also coordinated with church officials to carry out regulations for the congregation. Among them, they are not allowed to carry backpacks, do not carry dangerous goods and do not use earphones. "This “ Regulation must be obeyed together, even when the implementation will be carried out, sterilization is quite strict by the police and church security officers. In essence, the 2022 Candle Operation is a humanitarian operation for Christians and people who celebrate Christmas. Let's work together to provide security so that they are safe and comfortable during worship, "he said.