Police chief and ulemas join peaceful rally

Indonesian Police Chief General Tito Karnavian as well as a number of high ranking government officials and influential ulemas joined a mass prayer here Friday morning.

Among the ulemas attending the peaceful rally that various Muslim-based organizations held for demanding justice in the Quranic blasphemy case involving non-active Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama was Head of Islamic Defender Front (FPI) Rizieq Shihab.

Shihab arrived in the National Monument Complex along with Chief of Indonesian Police Force Public Relations Boy Rafli Amar. 

Shihab was welcomed by the masses with dhikr and blessings.

Participants of the December 2 mass prayers throng the National Monument complex and its surrounding areas in the capital city. Jakarta, Friday.

Masses can be seen walking on foot from the Matraman Raya road and Pramuka road towards Senen and Tugu Tani.

Participants crowded half of the roads, causing congestion in the vehicle traffic.

Other participants can also be seen heading towards the National Monument with motorcycles and public transportation means.

They are carrying flags, banners and posters.

Previously, the representatives of the Movement of Indonesian Council Edict Supporters (GNPF MUI) and the National Police had agreed that the event, dubbed the "Defend Islam" Rally on December 2, will be organized at the National Monument area, Central Jakarta.

The peaceful rally is scheduled for 08:00 am to 01:00 pm. The people will listen to sermons and will perform the Friday prayer in the area.

After the Friday prayer, the mass joining the rally will refrain from fanning into the streets, it was agreed.

The participants of this mass prayer are demanding that the police detain incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, now rendered non-active, after he has been named as a suspect in the blasphemy case.

Jakarta Transportation Services (Transjakarta) stated that they will continue operations during the peace rally.

"Transjakarta bus services will continue to operate normally in all of its corridors," said PT Transjakarta Director Budi Kaliwono.

He further stated that route adjustments will only be carried out if the mass prayer activity in the National Monument (Monas) disrupts the services.

"If the peace rally gets in the way of Transjakarta Bus access, we will adjust the operational routes," he said.(*) Source: ANTARA