Security Tips During Idul Fitri Holiday

Muslims around the world will soon celebrate Idul Fitri as the fasting month of Ramadhan comes to an end. For Muslims in Indonesia, Idul Fitri is traditionally a time when many people travel to their hometowns to reunite with families and friends (mudik). The Jakarta Land Transportation Agency estimates some 1.9 million vehicles, including cars and busses will be involved in this year’s mudik and about 1.5 million motorcycles will be leaving Jakarta for towns in West, Central and East Java.

National Police say a total of 100,000 personnel will be deployed for 'Operation Ketupat' to ensure security during the Idul Fitri holiday as well as being posted at recreation places, terminals, stations, airports and ports. Risks from crime during this time, especially burglary, pickpockets and bag snatchers will increase. There had been past cases of criminals drugging their victims with laced food or drinks before robbing them.

Here are some security tips that may help prevent you being targeted by criminals during this year’s ‘mudik’.

If you are planning for ‘mudik’:

1. Make sure you have a contact point for your local neighborhood official (Ketua RT) and, if possible, local security personnel and advise them if you are leaving your home unattended during the holiday so that arrangements can be made for local security personnel to keep an eye on your residence and collect any mail.
2. Consider leaving a copy of your travel itinerary with a trusted family friend or relative.
3. Never leave your house key hidden outside under a doormat, in a flower pot, or on the ledge of a door.
4. Make sure the lights are turned on by nightfall.
5. If you are leaving the city;

Using private car:

·               Be prepared for extremely crowded conditions on the roads.

·               Do not drive on the emergency lane on toll roads.

·               Driver fatigue is a factor that can cause road fatalities, so make sure you take regular breaks on long trips - ideally 15 minutes every 2 hours.

·               Select well-traveled streets as much as possible.

·               Never pick up hitchhikers.

·               Be constantly alert to road conditions and surroundings.

·               Never carry large amounts of cash.

Using motorcycle:

·               Conduct safety inspection of your motorcycle before each ride.

·               Wear appropriate gear and protection.

·               Wear bright clothing and if possible use retroreflective material at night time.

·               Be awake, fatigue can impair motorcyclist’s ability to react.

·               When riding in a group, determine your route in advanced and coordinate it with other riders.

·               Don’t speed; know local traffic laws and rules of the road.

·               Show courtesy and respect to other drivers.

Using public transportation;

·               Do not wear expensive jewelry.

·               Be alert of your surroundings and people around you. Criminals such as pickpocket and other petty thieves may target you if you are not alert and aware.

·               Never accept foods or drinks from people you’ve just met.

·               If you are leaving the city by air, Allow extra time for check-in since airports will be crowded.  

If you are staying at home during the holiday period:

1. Make sure that all gates and entrances to your residence are securely locked with high-quality locks both while you are at home and while out.
2. If you receive unexpected callers, do not approach them or leave the house to meet them if there is any likelihood that they are armed. Do not open the gates to allow them to enter until you are perfectly sure that you can trust them. If you do not know them or have no reason to allow them into the grounds of your residence, lock all doors and windows securely and immediately contact your local security personnel.  

However, before leaving your office, please make sure you follow these simple instructions:

Look, Lock and Leave:

1. Look thoroughly at your workplace; ensure you do not leave any valuable personal belongings behind.
2. If there are still important documents/valuable company properties, make sure you lock them all in a secure cabinet. 
3. Unplug all electrical appliances (computers, etc).
4. Remember the locations of items in your workplace, so that upon returning from holiday you can notice if something has been moved while you are away. 

 Have a pleasant holiday & Happy Idul Fitri 1430 Hijriah..!