Police, TNI Team Up to Secure Tolikara for Idul Adha
Jakarta. Indonesian law enforcement are beefing up security in Tolikara district, Papua, ahead of the Islamic holiday of Idul Adha on Thursday, in anticipation of a possible violent skirmish similar to the incident that made headlines during Idul Fitri celebrations in July.
“We have prepared 374 officers from both the Papua Police and Jayawijaya Police, and we will also receive backup from the Indonesian Military [TNI],” Papua Police Insp. Gen. Paulus Waterpauw told the Jakarta Globe on Wednesday.
Police have also urged local government officials and religious communities to maintain a peaceful and conducive environment for the Idul Adha commemorations, Paulus said.
He added that police would take firm actions against anyone caught disrupting the peace during the Islamic feast of sacrifice.
Tolikara made national headlines on July 17, the first day of Idul Fitri, when a small mosque burned down during a riot that also saw shops owned by Muslim migrants vandalized and set ablaze.
Members of the Evangelical Church of Indonesia (GIDI), the largest religious group in the district, had complained about the use of loudspeakers during a mass prayer for Idul Fitri — which marks the end of the Muslim fasting month — and requested the prayer to be canceled. Tensions rose and police opened fire at some point, killing a protester.
“The state has regulations in place to guarantee religious freedom, and [allow] worship for each [recognized] religion,” Paulus earlier said, adding that mass praying for Idul Adha is a religious activity for Muslims and will thus be secured by police.
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