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Xmas caution in Indonesia
JAKARTA, Indonesia (CNN) -- Christmas is a festive affair even in the world's largest Muslim nation. Indonesia's malls are filled with winter wonderland carols in a land that has never seen snow. Christmas trees and Santas abound and there are the holiday sales. It's a Christmas spectacle and even Muslim families come to the malls to enjoy it. But Christmas in Indonesia has also brought its share of tragedy. On Christmas Eve 2000, a series of bombs ripped into churches across the country killing 18 people. A militant Islamic terrorist network, Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), claimed responsibility for the attacks. They are the same network blamed for the deaths of almost 200 people in the Bali bombing in October -- specifically targeting Westerners. While Indonesia's moderate Muslim majority has no problem with Christmas -- many even embrace the holiday spirit, police believe Jl were plotting another Christmas attack. Priest not afraidIn a bid to avert another crisis, Indonesian police are beefing up security around churches, shopping malls and other public places during Christmas with tens of thousands of extra officers. Embassies have issued warnings to stay away from places of worship. Police are on high alert -- deploying extra security especially at high profile churches like the Catholic Cathedral. At the St. Stephen's church for expatriates, the warnings are heeded. Parish numbers have dropped as Westerners moved out of Indonesia for fear of terrorist attacks. But Parish Priest Father Binzler takes the threats in stride. "There are always anonymous calls but these are just playing with the phone and threaten us but I do not take it seriously," says Binzler. "And as long as the priest is present, is not afraid, then the people also are not afraid. When I leave then they will also be afraid, so I better stay." Feel anxiousThe few who stay are nervous, but determined to lead a normal life. "The more you create fear, the more you cannot go on with your daily activities," says Linda Kalona. "Of course, I do feel anxious and I feel like most people are becoming overcautious. But, I think it's a worldwide thing so it can strike anywhere so we still have to continue celebrating and worshipping." Since the Bali bombing, police have made a number of arrests but they warn the public to be on guard. In the latest development, Indonesian police say they are hunting six new suspects in the Bali bombings, including two Malaysians. This brings the number of suspects still at large to 11, with around 15 people under arrest. Meanwhile, three of those in detention have re-enacted the final meeting allegedly held to plan the attacks. Guarded by hundreds of armed security, two brothers replayed the meeting in their home in East Java along with a third man. Trials of the main suspects are expected to start in February. But the JI terrorist network is still in operation. Christmas should be celebrated this year, police say, but with caution.
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