Biak, Papua, Jubi – Christians in Biak Numfor District, Papua Province, prepared to visit churches on Tuesday to partake in Christmas Eve services highlighting the theme of “giving up life for all people.”
To this end, workers at Christian churches, such as the GKI Maranatha Biak, Santa Maria, Immanuel Agung Samofa, IS Kijne, and Bethel Indonesia, made all requisite preparations for the religious events since Tuesday morning.
Chairman of the Evangelical Christian Church Workers for South Biak George Korwa confirmed that 59 congregations of the Biak Selatan Indonesian Christian Churches will be part of the Christmas Eve services.
“We hope the entire Christmas Eve service process would be held in a tranquil and peaceful situation,” Korwa stated, adding that the theme of this year’s Christmas celebrations projects the messages of friendship as revealed in Bible’s Yohannes Verses.
The messages of friendship are expected to restore the history of togetherness among Indonesians in fighting for humanity and Indonesia’s dignity.
In the run-up to the Christmas celebrations on Wednesday, the situation in Biak City remains secure and peaceful. Local residents engaged in their routine activities, while shops and markets are open. The city’s airport and seaport also operate normally.
The police throughout Indonesia have been ready to secure this year’s Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations, according to Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD.
“Our police have been ready, and Insya Allah (God’s willing), our people can celebrate Christmas and New Year in a tranquil and peaceful situation,” he informed journalists after meeting with National Police Chief General Idham Azis in Jakarta recently.
Azis noted that the police would have conducted a so-called “Operasi Lilin” (Operation Candle) to secure the Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Argo Yuwono had revealed earlier that the police will conduct “Operasi Lilin” and several other programs to ensure public security at various places, including houses of worship, shopping malls, and recreation sites. (*)
Source: Antara
