JAKARTA, Indonesia – Islamic extremists may be planning to target worshippers at Christmas and New Year celebrations in Jakarta and elsewhere in the country, Indonesian police warned Thursday (December 12th), according to AFP.

Indications point to militants heading toward areas they wish to target and possibly assembling bombs, National Police Chief Sutarman told reporters in Jakarta.

"The terrorists have cells everywhere and they are active. We are continuing to pursue them," Sutarman said without giving details about any of the suspected terror groups.

Indonesia's small Christian minority in recent years has faced growing harassment from Islamic hardliners, who have forced the closure of churches and demonstrated outside places of worship.

"We call on people to stay calm as police will ensure security for those celebrating Christmas and New Year," Sutarman said, adding police were monitoring the suspected terror cells and would only move against them when their plans were thought to be at an advanced stage.