This morning, I am grateful for the opportunity to visit the church to ensure smooth Christmas celebration activities
Surabaya (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister of Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD visited several churches in Surabaya, East Java, to review the security situation amid Christmas activities in churches.

"This morning, I am grateful for the opportunity to visit the church to ensure smooth Christmas celebration activities," the minister noted while reviewing activities at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at Polisi Istimewa Road, Tegalsari Sub-district, Surabaya.

East Java Regional Police Chief Inspector General Nico Afinta, Brawijaya/V Regional Military Command Chief Major General Nurcahyanto, and East Java Province acting Regional Secretary Heru Tjahjono were also present during the coordinating minister's visit to Surabaya churches.


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The police and military chiefs as well as regional authorities reported that public security was maintained during Christmas activities and celebrations in Surabaya, he stated.

After visiting the Cathedral, Mahfud then headed to the Indonesia Christian Church (GKI) at Diponegoro Road, Tegalsari Sub-district.

"I see the optimism and joy in the Christmas celebrations and, God Willing, Christmas activities in Indonesia will be peaceful and safe," the minister stated.

Meanwhile, Vicar General of Roman Catholic Diocese of Surabaya Yosef Budi Susilo welcomed the coordinating minister's visit to review Christmas activities in Surabaya and East Java.

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"We always coordinate our activities with the Surabaya and East Java police forces, and I believe this makes us feel safe in conducting Christmas activities," Susilo stated.

The vicar general also expressed gratitude to the regional military command chief for allowing military troops to back up security maintenance during Christmas in Surabaya and East Java.

Earlier on Friday (Dec 24, 2021), the Police's General Control Inspector Commissioner General Agung Budi Maryoto also visited churches in Surabaya to review security measures and COVID-19 health protocol enforcement.

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Translator: Fiqih Arfani, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2021