Yuni Rohmawati, Jakarta – The National Police planned to dispatch a total of 129,923 personnel to secure for Christmas and New Year 2024 through the annual operation called Operasi Lilin or candle operation. Police spokesperson Inspector General Sandi Nugroho, announced this as he led the briefing of the operation at the police HQ in Jakarta today, Dec. 18, 2023.
"This security will be executed through Operasi Lilin 2023/2024 which will be held from December 22, 2023, to January 2, 2024," Sandi said in a statement on Monday.
He explained that as instructed by the National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, the security operation during the year-end holidays would be different this year in light of the upcoming general elections in February 2024.
"General Sigit calls on all communities to work together to prioritize unity and oneness despite existing differences. However, the National Police, TNI (Indonesian Military), and related stakeholders will ensure that the Christmas and New Year celebrations and the election stages go well," Sandi said.
According to him, the peak of the Christmas homecoming was expected on December 22-23, and the return flow will be on December 26-27. Thus, the police have prepared traffic systems, such as the contraflow traffic and one-way traffic.
The National Police would also provide parking facilities at the police station for travelers willing to leave their vehicles. People are advised to maintain safety during homecoming trips and New Year celebrations.