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Thousands of police were deployed in Indoneisa to ensure a peaceful Easter.
In Jakarta a total of 4,313 police were deployed to secure 1,262 churches, while West Java deployed more than 8,000 officers across the province over the Easter period.
Thousands of people attended services at Jakarta Cathedral in Central Jakarta. Services were performed three times: at 12 p.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. with at least 16,000 churchgoers joining the services.
Churchgoers in Polewali Mandar, West Sulawesi, attended mass early in the morning to celebrate the coming of Easter, kompas.com reported Friday. Those attending mass sang hymns along with family members and friends.
The Polewali Mandar regency did not see a heavy police presence. Churchgoers were able to feel safe commemorating Good Friday without heavy protection. People there said the reason they felt safe was because Polewali Mandar has long been known for its inter-religious solidarity and tolerance, which acted like a fortress in protecting religious freedom.
In 2000, several churches in the country were bombed during Christmas Eve celebrations, including Jakarta Cathedral.
Source
- Jakarta Post
- Image: AsiaOne
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News category: Asia Pacific.
