Political interest behind Jakarta massive demonstration

Observers have said they saw that Jakarta Fridays massive demonstration by a number of Islamic organizations had been politically motivated.

It is difficult not to link the almost nation wide demonstration to political interest, an academician from the State Islamic Institute (IAIN) of Palu, Faisal Attamimi S.Ag M.Fil.I said.

"It was obvious as the target is Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok), who is seeking reelection to keep his job for another five years," Faisal said here on Saturday.

The demonstration called for the prosecution of Ahok, who was accused of blasphemy.

Ahok with his running mate Djarot Saiful Hidayat, was challenged by two other candidates including Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, a son of former President Susilo Bambang Yudhojono with running mate Syviana Murni, and former education minister Anies Baswedan with running mate rich businessman Sandiaga Uno.

Faisal called on Muslims to refrain from doing any provocation and wait for the result of legal investigations by police of the blasphemy accusation against Ahok.

"All of us should wait for what the law would decide. We must not let ourselves be engaged on unending polemic," he said.

He said until the law makes its decision, the issue remains an allegation and Ahok should be treated with the presumption of innocence.

"Therefore, we should not curse and punish one, who may not be guilty based on our legal system," he said.

He said there are various interpretations already expressed by Islamic leaders about Ahok reciting the Almaidah verse, but interpretations should have strong base.

He said he did not believe that such big demonstration could have been organized without political motivation.

He called on Islamic communities not to be easily taken by provocations that would tarnish the image of Islam itself and could lead to the national disintegration.

"Islam has the responsibility for the national sovereignty and integration, therefore, Muslims should protect the national commitment," he said.

President Joko Widido (Jokowi), who apparently refused to meet with the demonstration leaders, said the rally had been peaceful until the legally allowed time at 18.00, but later in the night political actors, had sought to created chaos forcing police to use force to disperse the demonstrators with tear gas.
Source: ANTARA