Jakarta churches get extra security for Christmas Eve

JAKARTA, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Jakarta police began to comb churches Monday ahead of the mass prayers on the Christmas Eve to ensure security and anticipate militant attacks.

Churches were targeted in a series of bombings on Christmas Eve2000 when at least 15 people died as the result.

Police said six major churches in the capital city would get extra security profile, including the country's largest Cathedral Church, which is located near the famous Istiqlal Mosque.

"Although the six churches get our priority, basically all churches in Central Jakarta will be guarded. We have readied our personnel already," Central Jakarta Police deputy chief Heri Wibowo was quoted by leading news website Detikcom as saying.

He said police would sterilize all churches in the capital prior to the Christmas prayers.

Separately, presidential spokesman Andi Mallarangeng said President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has ordered National police Chief Sutanto to beef up security during the Christmas to allow Christians across the country to observe the festival without any disturbance.

"The police chief has taken appropriate actions in response," Andi said.