Rainfall continued during the bike patrol around the city. However, Revianto, in the company of several top officers of the Riau Islands provincial police, went beyond the realm of his visit to greet the on-duty policemen.
Revianto expressed keenness to send a simple message to the on-duty police officers serving the public to express his support to them regardless of the condition.
Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD hinted that the police across Indonesia are ready to secure this year's Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations.
"Our police are ready, and Insya Allah (God willing), our people will celebrate Christmas and New Year in a tranquil and peaceful manner," he told journalists after meeting with National Police Chief, General Idham Azis, in Jakarta on Dec 12.
The police will conduct a so-called "Operasi Lilin" (Operation Candle) as part of their efforts to secure the Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations, he remarked.
Indonesia bore witness to a string of bombing attacks targeting churches in several cities, including Medan, Batam, and Jakarta, on December 24, 2000.
Speaking in connection with potential terror threats during the Christmas and New Year's Eve holiday season, a terrorism expert appealed to counterterrorism agencies in Indonesia to remain alert and focus on them until the first month of 2020.
Precautionary measures should be extended while drawing reference to the terrorist attack on Thamrin Street in Central Jakarta on January 14, 2016, Habib had noted on December 4.
The terrorist attack on January 14, 2016, brought to light the fact that such an incident took place after security agencies might have let down their guard. Hence, counterterrorism agencies should not merely focus on December 25 and 31, and January 1.
Habib noted that the extended period to stay alert to any potential threat of a terror attack was deemed necessary since the attack patterns of the terrorists might have also changed.
He forecast that the terror attacks could potentially take place from December 2019 to January 2020, though the patterns could slightly change from the previous years. Related news: Police ready to secure Christmas celebrations: top security minister
Related news: Indonesian police maintain vigil against terror acts ahead of New Year
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Yuniati JN, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
