There should be no takbir parade causing crowds. In the midst of the current pandemic, putting other people in a dangerous situation is a criminal offense
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Central Jakarta Resort Police have said they are prepared to disperse takbir parade, a traditional parade where Muslims shout praises to Allah on the eve of Eid al-Fitr, which usually attract large crowds, on account of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While attending the Operation Ketupat Jaya 2021 roll call at Monas Square, Central Jakarta, chief of the Central Jakarta Resort Police, Senior Commissioner Hengki Haryadi, emphasized that the public has been prohibited from holding takbir parade this year as the activity can cause crowding and thereby, increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

"There should be no takbir parade causing crowds. In the midst of the current pandemic, putting other people in a dangerous situation is a criminal offense," Haryadi warned after leading the ceremony here on Wednesday.

All activities that could cause crowding can be classified as criminal acts, he said.

People who deliberately indulge in crowd-inducing activities in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic can be subject to criminal penalties, in accordance with Law No. 6 of 2018 on Health Quarantine, he pointed out.

"All (types of crowds), including demonstrations that violate health protocols, we will disperse them," he asserted.

Ahead of Eid Al-Fitr, around 1,500 personnel from the army, police, and the Central Jakarta City Government have been deployed under Operation Ketupat Jaya 2021.

The joint personnel will carry out security operations for 12 days from May 5-16, 2021.

The personnel will man seven posts spread across Central Jakarta, such as community service centers and economic centers, including the Tanah Abang Market.

"Operation Ketupat this year is being carried out to reduce the spread of COVID-19. I expected this year's Eid celebration will not trigger a spike in COVID-19 cases," Haryadi said.

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Translator: Mentari Dwi Gayati, Katriana
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2021