Jakarta. At least 150,000 members of a joint force made up of law enforcement officials will be deployed in the Greater Jakarta area from Friday (23/12) to Jan. 1, during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

In the so-called "Operation Candle 2016," the Jakarta Police, Indonesian Military and municipal police (Satpol PP) will safeguard churches and public places across the capital and its satellite cities.

Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Raden Prabowo Argo Yuwono said on Thursday that the operation is aimed at providing security to all those who celebrate Christmas and to travelers who depart for their hometowns for the holidays.

"All police chiefs in the Greater Jakarta have been instructed to monitor the churches in their regions and communicate with their management to enhance security measures. We will safeguard the Christmas prayers on Saturday and Sunday," Argo said at the operation's launch at the National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta.

He added that the churches will be equipped with metal detectors borrowed from the police.

Public places, including airports, train stations, bus terminals, recreational areas and shopping malls, will also see additional security measures.

National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian said the main goal of the operation is to prevent terrorism and other criminal acts during the year-end holiday.

If needed, the operation may be extended to Jan. 2, Tito said.