Jakarta. The National Police said Friday they will deploy up to 166,000 personnel across the country for the annual security assignment called Operation Candle during the year-end holiday season.

The mission will last for nearly two weeks from December 22-January 3, the busy holiday travel season involving an estimated 44 million holidaymakers.

"I think we will deploy 166,000 personnel overall for the security arrangement we call Operation Candle," National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo told reporters in Jakarta.

"According to Transportation Ministry data, the number of travelers will reach 44 million. We need to get prepared and ensure security,” he added.

Listyo said special traffic regulations such as restrictions based on license plate number may apply at certain streets and holiday spots when the traffic is considered too crowded.

Toll road operator Jasa Marga predicted that 2.73 million vehicles will leave Greater Jakarta during the holiday season, up by 8.4 percent from the normal weekday traffic.

Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas said there will be no Covid restrictions at churches during Christmas. 

"No restrictions at worship places because according to the Home Affairs Ministry the [Covid-19 alert] level is currently at the lowest in all cities," Yaqut said.

Churches can accommodate congregations at 100 percent of their capacity, he added.

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy also confirmed that citizens across the country can celebrate Christmas and the New Year without social restrictions.

"For this year, no restrictions are in place," Muhadjir said.

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