Amnesty International Indonesia: Safe Holiday Celebration Amid Global Concerns
Amidst global worries about incidents like those in France and Nigeria, Amnesty International Indonesia’s Executive Director, Usman Hamid, expressed gratitude for the peaceful celebration of the Christmas 2024 and New Year 2025 holidays in Indonesia.
A Peaceful Holiday Season
Usman Hamid commended the police for maintaining security and preventing potential incidents during the holiday season, allowing families to enjoy the festive period without fear. He shared his personal experiences of a peaceful holiday with his family in various regions of Java, including Central Java, West Java, and Yogyakarta.
Personal Experience of Joyful Trips
Reflecting on his travels during the holiday season, Usman recounted visiting Wonosobo, Dieng, Salatiga, Magelang, Pekalongan, and Jogja, all via land routes, emphasizing the safety and tranquility he experienced. He described spending New Year’s Eve walking along the closed streets of MH. Thamrin and Sudirman, opting to be in front of Sarinah for a concert by Feby Putri.
Gratitude Amid Global Concerns
Despite slight concerns about potential incidents akin to those in France or Nigeria, Usman expressed relief that the Christmas and New Year holidays in Indonesia transpired smoothly and safely. He extended his appreciation to the police officers on duty for their efforts in ensuring public safety during the festive period.
In contrast to the peaceful celebrations in Indonesia, disturbing incidents unfolded in other parts of the world. In France, hundreds of cars were set ablaze during New Year’s Eve celebrations, leading to numerous arrests and disrupting the peace and safety of residents and tourists. The situation in Lyon turned grave when a two-year-old toddler suffered serious facial and eye injuries from fireworks hitting the toy train he was on.
As the year-end festivities approached, the French capital’s police deployed 10,000 personnel to secure the capital city, with a total of 100,000 officers deployed nationwide. Meanwhile, Nigeria faced severe challenges during the Christmas season, with a population of 210 million experiencing economic crises that culminated in tragic incidents during charity events.
Tragically, 32 adults and 35 children lost their lives in stampedes at three charity events in Nigeria, highlighting the stark contrast between the peaceful celebrations in Indonesia and the devastating events elsewhere. Amid global concerns, Usman’s experiences serve as a reminder of the importance of security and peaceful coexistence during festive periods.
