Ina Parlina, Jakarta – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo paid visits to a number of institutions he considered helpful in maintaining a peaceful rally last Friday, which saw thousands of people demanding Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama be charged with blasphemy.In front of more than 2,000 military personnel from various elite units, like the Army Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad), Air Force Special Forces (Paskhas) troops and the Navy's Marine Corps, who gathered at Army headquarters on Monday, Jokowi personally thanked them for completing their jobs in backing police officers throughout the rally.
"As the highest military commander, I have ordered [the military] to be intolerant of any movement aimed at dividing the nation with provocative [actions]. Do not hesitate to act on behalf of maintaining unity for our country," Jokowi said.
Jokowi made the speech only days after he made the statement suggesting that "political provocateurs" were behind the violent portion of Friday evening when protesters defied a police order to disperse.
A violent brawl also broke out in Penjaringan, North Jakarta, later that day and a number of residents and shops were attacked.
Ahok, regarded by some as Jokowi's "golden boy", is the incumbent gubernatorial candidate.Later on Monday, Jokowi paid a visit to the headquarters of the country's largest Muslim organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), to thank them for playing a part in ensuring a peaceful Nov. 4 rally.
In an apparent preemptive measure to anticipate possible violence at the rally, Jokowi had invited leaders from various Islamic organizations, including NU and the second largest Islamic organization, Muhammadiyah, to the Palace a few days before the rally, in which the Muslim leaders agreed to encourage their members not to take part in the rally and that they respected the ongoing legal process of Ahok's case.
"Clearly, the NU has served as a supporter of Pancasila, our unity in diversity and tolerance for all citizens," Jokowi said.
NU chairman Said Aqil Siradj said that leaders should provide good examples for followers, and therefore, "a leader should refrain from bad-mouthing public officials".
"A leader should not spark controversy or ignite discord, as a proverb says, 'salvation is gained by controlling one's tongue,'" Aqil said, calling on everyone to promote the country's unity.
Aqil also lamented the government for being sluggish with respect to "political communication" with the public, particularly the leaders of various religions, adding that "it would be wise for everyone to learn from the rally."
On Tuesday, the President is set to visit Muhammadiyah's national office and the National Police headquarters in South Jakarta. He is also scheduled to hold a meeting with a number of political figures.
Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/08/jokowi-thanks-military-nu-following-nov-4-rally.html