JAKARTA, Aug 17 (NNN-ANTARA) – As Indonesia celebrates its Independence Day today, public security across the country has been heightened to avoid possible disruptions, such as COVID-19 rule violations, terrorist acts or militant attacks.
The government held a flag-raising ceremony in the national capital, Jakarta, this morning, with limited number of attendees at the location of the event.
Roadblocks were set up and about 300 traffic officers from the city police were deployed to boost security.
This year’s Independence Day theme is “Indonesia Tangguh (resilience), Indonesia Tumbuh (growth).” Such theme represents spirit of Indonesia to endure and to overcome the current situation, as well as, the future, which are heavily influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic. The theme also describes the principle and the dynamics of resiliency, as well as, attitude or characteristics to always refrain from giving up, to create a better future.
The event was live-streamed. However, President Joko Widodo, addressed the nation the day before (yesterday), at the People’s consultative assembly. He called on the public, to celebrate Independence Day virtually, due to the current pandemic.
The day is referred to as Tujuhbelas Agustus or Hari Merdeka and on this day Indonesia got its independence from the Dutch.
In other cities outside Jakarta, authorities had also intensified security, as 48 terrorist suspects have been arrested in several provinces, since last Thursday.
Yesterday, the National Police’s counter-terrorism unit, Densus 88, arrested seven suspected terrorists, in separate operations in North Sumatra, East Kalimantan, East Java and South Sulawesi provinces.
And the day before, Densus 88 arrested four suspects in Jakarta’s neighbouring provinces of Banten and West Java.– NNN-ANTARA
