Stories of Banser Members Guarding the Church at Christmas

Securing places of worship at Christmas by community organizations, such as Banser, is a form of tolerance. His story should also be an inspiration.

The following article was translated using both Microsoft Azure Open AI and Google Translation AI. The original article can be found in Cerita Anggota Banser yang Menjaga Gereja Saat Natal

KOMPAS/DAHLIA IRAWATI

Security checks were conducted at the Jakarta Cathedral using K-9 dogs, one day before the Christmas mass was held on Saturday, December 23, 2023.

Today, Sunday (24/12/2023), Christians held a worship service or Christmas Eve mass. It is not uncommon for community organizations such as Banser Nahdlatul Ulama to also help ensure the safety of Christmas celebrations.

Chaerrudin (49), a member of Banser, for example, often guards the Christmas celebration at the Cathedral Church in Jakarta. He is still waiting for orders to be placed back at the church.

"I have been a member of Banser since 1998. Whether or not I am given money for fuel, I will still go," said Yaya, as she is nicknamed, on Saturday (23/12/2023)."

Also read: Together to Protect the Christmas Celebration

Without asking for payment, he is enthusiastic about helping Catholic worshipers in that church. However, he is often mocked.

"He scoffed, what are you doing guarding the church. Muslims, Bansers too. Up on social media (social media), the comments were like that. But, if we meet, I don't dare," he said, laughing.

Yaya often responds to those comments calmly. Instead, she even offers to treat those who insult her to have a cup of coffee together.

"When there was no social media, we used SMS (short messages) or chat. Once, there was information that there would be riots, in the 2000s. "The problem is, local residents don't agree," he said.

KOMPAS/P RADITYA MAHENDRA YASA

Visitors take photos with Christmas gifts distributed in Kota Lama, Semarang City, Central Java, on Saturday (23/12/2023). Christmas joy colors several corners of Semarang City, including in churches, shopping centers, and public spaces.

However, Yaya and her colleagues remain steadfast in guarding the church, despite the rumor mill. They are grateful that the news was nothing but hearsay.

"Just be happy to bring it. I am motivated to look after the church (during Christmas) because Lillahi Ta'ala (because of Allah). Certain groups may be easily incited. "But, in principle, (we) are all brothers," he said.

He also upholds sincerity even though guarding the church can last until midnight. "Usually starting at 3 PM. An hour earlier, I'm already there. The next day, if there is a request, yes, I'll do it again," he said.

KOMPAS/P RADITYA MAHENDRA YASA

A balloon seller passes by in the background of Immanuel GPIB Church Semarang, also known as Blenduk Church, located in the Old City of Semarang, Central Java, on Saturday (23/12/2023).

The number of NU Banser personnel guarding each church varies. For example, the Cathedral Church is usually guarded by more than 100 people.

Head of the National Coordination Unit of NU's Banser, Hasan Basri Sagala, stated that around 1,000 personnel have been deployed to secure places of worship during Christmas. This number may increase as demand is still ongoing.

"The number of personnel guarding each church depends on the need. The standard operating procedure (SOP) is for the church to submit a request and then we will send personnel to the field," he said. His team also coordinates with the police, military, and other community organizations."

During Idul Fitri, in provinces with Muslim minorities, Christian friends work together to ensure the smooth running of prayer services.

"If there is a possibility of conflict or unrest, it would be considered to reduce personnel," said Hasan. In addition to letters, some church administrators also request assistance via telephone. It could be that on the night before the worship takes place, a new request is submitted."

"We do not specify how many days in advance the request should be submitted. Most importantly, we wear uniforms to prevent any intruders," he said.

According to Hasan, all believers have the right to worship peacefully anywhere. NU's Banser is ordered to uphold such dignity and human values.

KOMPAS/DAHLIA IRAWATI

Portrait of security checking at Jakarta Cathedral, using K-9 dogs, on Saturday (12/23/2023).

"Everyone should help each other to maintain humanity. In the context of Indonesian, maintaining the smoothness of worship is also a duty," he said. Residents, he continued, should be able to live together despite their differences in ethnicity, social class, and religion.

"During Eid al-Fitr, in provinces with a Muslim minority, Christian friends worked together to ensure smooth praying," said Hasan. NU's Banser has also issued a circular prohibiting its personnel from asking for money, even for food and drinks."

KOMPAS/TOTOK WIJAYANTO

The performance of the Toraja Church Sunday School choir, Depok, in a performance of Christmas carols (christmas carol) in front of Plaza Indonesia, Jakarta, Friday (22/12/2023).

According to the Commander of Densus 99 Banser NU, M Nuruzzaman, there are around 7 million members of Banser NU in Indonesia who are ready to secure places of worship. "(This) is part of safeguarding Indonesia as well. Indonesia stands not because of one, but various religions that fought for it," said the Special Staff of the Minister of Religious Affairs.

According to the Chairman of Karang Taruna National, Didik Mukrianto, the Karang Taruna personnel in Indonesia are always present and participating in maintaining the smoothness of the Christmas worship service with their awareness. Personnel range from central officials to village or subdistrict officials.

"Including ensuring religious moderation so that it can continue to be strengthened for the unity of the nation. Differences are a blessing and can strengthen unity," he said.

Also read: Guide to Attending Christmas Eve Mass at the Jakarta Cathedral Church