Muslim youth to guard Christian churches in Indonesia

December 10, 2005

Amid fears of attacks like those against churches on Christmas Eve 2000, Jakarta police have announced an increased level of security leading up to the Christmas holidays. Youth members of Nahdlatul Ulama, the largest Muslim group in Indonesia, have volunteered to assist with security around the churches.

The Muslim youth organization, the Banser, have contacted organizations from other religions to coordinate with the police to ensure a peaceful holiday season.

Simultaneous church bombings at Christmas in 2000 claimed the lives of 19 people in Indonesia.