Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The police have launched "Operation Ketupat" to ensure public security during the Idul Fitri post-fasting season from August 22 to September 6.

National Police Chief General Timur Pradopo led a ceremony to mark the launching of the operation at the National Monument (Monas) square here on Monday morning.

The ceremony was participated in by around 3,000 personnel of joint security forces from the National Police, the National Defense Forces (TNI) and the transportation ministry.

Among government top officials attending the ceremony were Public Works Minister Djoko Kirmanto, Transportation Minister Freddy Number and Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo.

"The operations are being carried out for 16 days by prioritizing a synergy between security post and public services," General Timur said.

Police deploy a total of 96,393 personnel consisting of 769 from the National Police Headquarters and 95,624 personnel from regional police offices.

The number of this year`s Idul Fitri travelers is estimated to reach 15.5 million people, or an increase of 4.17 percent from that of last year`s 14.9 million.

The Ramadhan fasting month is expected to end on August 29 or 30, when all Muslims will celebrate post-fasting month Idul Fitri holiday.(*)

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Editor: Jafar M Sidik
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