Indonesia Gears Up With Nearly 200,000 Guards for a Trouble‑Free Christmas
Why the big numbers? In the archipelago of 260 million people, Indonesia’s majority Muslim population means that Christians, Hindus and Buddhists are often the ones stuck out in the spotlight. The government’s latest move—deploying 192,000 police and military personnel—aims to keep the holiday safe and the carols sweet.
Deployments Across the Nation
Jakarta’s 10,000‑strong guard: Argo Yuwono, a police spokesperson, told reporters that more than 10,000 officers will be square‑off in the capital alone. They’re on the lookout for “potential risks,” as intelligence suggests, and are ready to act before a situation flares up.
- 191,000 outside the capital, spread across provinces and border areas.
- About 12,000 added to last year’s 167,000—yes, the money’s not running out!
- Papua, the far eastern province, sees a surge thanks to its predominantly Christian community.
Recent Spree of Attacks
Indonesia has felt the sting of extremist groups linked to the ideology of ISIS–Iraq & Syria. In October, President Joko Widodo ordered a security ramp‑up after two ISIS‑linked militants stabbed his then chief security minister, Wiranto. The headshot attempt survived, but the mood didn’t.
Earlier this month, a suicide bomber exploded at a police station in Sumatra. Six civilians were wounded, and the attacker met his own explosive end. And that wasn’t the only hit—one year earlier, a bomb party in Surabaya’s churches left dozens dead.
For each arson‑and‑assault act, police swept up hundreds of suspects. Some were linked to the very same terror cell that orchestrated those church‑locating bombings.
Why Christmas? Is it really all about holidays?
Chief security minister Mahfud stressed that the added security protects not just the state’s symbols, but also the Christian folks wishing to celebrate their holidays without fear. “We need to anticipate intolerance and prevent the burning of houses of worship,” he said—an admission that the fight is as much about hearts as it is about towers.
And the pop‑culture of protest
Conservative Muslim groups have a track record of raiding malls and flash‑points over Christmas displays or un-Islamic clothing worn by employees. That single episode is proof that the government’s extra troops are less about a gimmick and more about keeping the peace for everyone.
Bottom line: 200,000 forces will keep the festive mood alive—and the peace alive—for Indonesia’s many faiths. Let’s hope it all goes smoothly, and the only flash in the night will be from fireworks, not fire‑arms.
