Immanuel Church in Jakarta
As reports have spread about a religiously-motivated riot that took place in Tolikara, Papua, last Thursday, Jakarta Police have said they would tighten security around Christian churches to prevent possible retaliatory attacks.
The riot in Tolikara supposedly began when members of Gereja Injili di Indonesia (GIDI), a Christian church denomination, confronted a group of Muslims doing their Eid prayers because their mushala’s speakers were two loud. There are conflicting reports about who started the violence, but in the end one person was killed while several houses, kiosks and the mushala were burned down.
Jakarta Police said they decided to ramp up security around the capital’s churches after consulting several religious leaders.
“We’ve already reminded all our fellow police chiefs [to strengthen security around the churches]. And senior military command in Jakarta has already reminded its units to strengthen security around the churches in their respective territories,” said Jakarta Police Chief Tito Karnavian today as quoted by Tribunnews.
In addition, Tito said a special unit of the Jakarta Police have been tasked with preemptively investigating organizations that might use this opportunity to attack churches.
Tito did not specify how many additional officers would be deployed to help heighten security around the city’s churches, but said people shouldn’t worry.
“We hope that people do not panic because I think the military commander and police chief of Jakarta can guarantee the security of the city,” Tito said.
