Jakarta. As Christmas 2025 approaches, churches across Indonesia are completing preparations to welcome thousands of worshippers under heightened security measures that have, sadly, become a familiar part of the holiday season since the early 2000s.

Metal detectors and security checks are once again routine at church entrances nationwide. Their presence during major religious celebrations reflects Indonesia’s long-standing response to security threats and past terrorist attacks targeting places of worship and other public venues. 

Ahead of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services, police across several regions have intensified security operations, including church sterilization, K-9 patrols, and the deployment of metal detectors. In Jakarta, East Java, and North Sumatra, officers have conducted sweeping inspections to ensure no explosives or dangerous materials are present before congregants arrive.

In Jakarta, police have begun guarding and sterilizing the Jakarta Cathedral complex as part of broader security preparations for the Christmas celebrations, which will run from Dec. 24 to 25. On Tuesday evening, tents were erected and thousands of chairs arranged in the cathedral grounds to accommodate worshippers. While the main building seats about 800 people, outdoor arrangements expand total capacity to roughly 5,000.

The cathedral will hold two Christmas Eve Masses on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., followed by four services on Christmas Day at 8:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.

Despite the expanded capacity, the cathedral continues to implement a registration system to manage crowds. Registered attendees must arrive at least 30 minutes before Mass, with late arrivals risking the forfeiture of reserved seats.

In East Java, Kediri City Police carried out security sweeps at several churches, including historic sites such as the Red Church (Gereja Merah) and St. Vincentius Church, on Dec. 23. K-9 units and metal detectors were deployed to inspect areas ranging from entrances and altars to storage rooms and hidden corners.

A total of 18 personnel, supported by six K-9 units, were involved in the operation, which covered four churches including Jawi Wetan Church and Setia Budi Burengan Church. “These inspections are aimed at preventing terrorism and detecting dangerous objects so Christmas Masses can proceed safely and peacefully,” said Prajaka, head of Kediri Police’s public order unit.

Similar measures were carried out in Sidoarjo, East Java, where police and bomb disposal units conducted thorough sterilization at churches including Elohim Church, Santa Maria Annuntiata Church, and Salib Suci Church on Wednesday. Officers inspected entrances, parking areas, gardens, and interior spaces, including altars, trash bins, and CCTV systems. Hundreds of personnel from the police, Indonesian military (TNI), municipal security forces, and community groups were deployed to maintain order.

In Medan, North Sumatra — Indonesia’s city with the largest Christian population — the Cathedral of Medan is also preparing to host thousands of worshippers. Security will be reinforced by dozens of personnel from the police, TNI, traffic authorities, and municipal security agencies, with Mobile Brigade units scheduled to conduct pre-Mass sterilization.

“This year, our Nativity scene uses rumbia leaves to convey simplicity, reflecting that Jesus was born in humble circumstances,” said Yosef Agustinus, secretary of the cathedral parish. The cathedral will hold two Christmas Eve Masses at 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., with one led by the resident pastor and the other by Archbishop Kornelius Sipayung.

Each session can accommodate about 1,800 worshippers, including 450 inside the main church, 1,000 in multipurpose rooms and guesthouses, and 800 in outdoor seating areas.

Resilience in disaster-affected areas

In Tapanuli Tengah, North Sumatra, the Sibuluan Church community is preparing to celebrate Christmas despite severe damage from a landslide on Nov. 25. Triggered by heavy rainfall, the disaster damaged homes, schools, and the church, burying parts of the area in mud and debris.

The congregation, which includes around 900 families, plans to hold two Christmas Eve services at 5:00 p.m. “Even in difficult circumstances, we want to celebrate Christmas together. It is a time of hope and prayer,” a church member said.

According to local church teacher D. Manik, Sibuluan Church is among several churches affected by floods and landslides in the region. Mudflows from nearby hills deposited hundreds of cubic meters of soil, damaging houses, schools, and church facilities. Despite the destruction, the community remains committed to observing Christmas with faith and resilience.