Police officers in Jakarta have sterilised major Buddhist and Chinese temples in the capital city to maintain security on Chinese New Year’s day.

“For the major temples, we have conducted sterilisation works, while for the (smaller) traditional temples, we only do manual observation,” Jakarta Metropolitan Police Chief Inspector General Fadli Imran stated during his visit to Dharma Jaya Temple in Glodok here Saturday (January 21).

He did not elaborate how the police officers sterilised major temples in the city. He, however, affirmed that he had personally inspected the temples to monitor security arrangements and preparation ahead of the Chinese New Year, celebrated across the country on Sunday.

The police operations at temples in Jakarta were aimed to maintain security and order to ensure those celebrating the Chinese New Year could perform rituals at the temples safely and peacefully, he said.

“(The inspection) is also one of my ways to ensure that the religious activities ahead of theChinese New Year’s day take place properly,” the police chief said.

Meanwhile, Imran also conveyed Chinese New Year greetings to all people who celebrate the day, particularly the Chinese community.

“I hope at this water rabbit year, entrepreneurs will hopefully get success (in their businesses); those in careers will be more advanced; families will be more harmonious, and we, as part of one nation, will always be protected by God. We must preserve our brotherhood in this turbulent time,” he remarked.

Earlier, Jakarta Police Spokesperson Senior Commissioner Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko said that 4,550 security personnel had been deployed to secure the celebrations of Chinese New Year.

The 4,550 joint officers comprise 1,403 provincial police officers, 1,513 local police officers, 343 military officers, and 1,291 local authority apparatus, he expounded.

Source: Antara News