Jakarta Cathedral Church For Three Christmas Mass Sessions, Every Joint Session 2,200 Congregations

The atmosphere of Christmas Mass at the Jakarta Cathedral Church. (Photo: VOI/M. Jehan)

JAKARTA - The holding of Mass at the Cathedral Church, DKI Jakarta is divided into three sessions, both face-to-face and online. This aims to prevent buildup.

"Three times will be held, namely at 16.30 p.m. the priority is the elderly, then at 19.00 p.m. as a hybrid mass, at 21.30 p.m. there will be a visualization of the story of the birth of Christ 15 minutes before mass begins," said Public Relations of the Archdiocese of Jakarta and the Susyana Suwadie Cathedral Church, Saturday, December 24.

Susyana revealed that for the total capacity at this year's Cathedral Church, there are 2,200 each session. However, of the thousands of seats, continued Susyana, they are divided into several places.

"We are ready to accommodate approximately 2,200 capacities in the church including officers," he said.

Previously, it was reported that Polda Metro Jaya had deployed a Bomb Disposal Unit (Jibom) to sterilize all churches in Jakarta and its surroundings. The goal is to anticipate acts of terror during the 2022 Christmas celebration:

"Before carrying out worship activities, Jibom also carried out sterilization to avoid unwanted things," said Head of Public Relations of Polda Metro Jaya, Kombes E. Zulpan when contacted, Saturday, December 24.

The decline in the Jibom Unit from the Brimob Corps unit is also one of the standard operating procedures (SOP) for security.

Thus, the 2022 Christmas celebration will run wisely without any disturbances.

Based on data, Zulpan continued, 1,385 churches were recorded in the jurisdiction of the Polda Metro Jaya, sterilization was carried out. Of course, by involving elements of the TNI and related parties.

"The Regional Police Chief will check several churches this afternoon starting at 2 p.m. to see the readiness of several large churches, yes, and also tonight at 8 o'clock with the National Police Chief, he will check with the Commander and the Regional Police Chief to check the Cathedral Church for the Christmas Mass," said Zulpan.