Jakarta – The National Police announced that the organizers of this week's planned mass protest rally have agreed to restrict all actions to the National Monument complex, or Monas, in Central Jakarta to ensure that it proceeds in a peaceful and orderly manner.
The rally with theme "Bela Islam" ("Defend Islam") is organized by a group calling itself the National Movement to Guard the Fatwas of the Indonesian Ulema Council (GNPF-MUI).
Speaking at a press conference following a meeting with leaders of the GNPF-MUI and the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) in Jakarta on Monday (28/11), National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian said the protest will take place between 8.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m. on Friday.
Protesters will not be allowed to occupy the streets in the area as it will disrupt residents' daily activities. GNPF-MUI advisory board chairman Rizieq Shihab said the police and the protesters have agreed on several points for the Dec. 2 rally.
These are as follows:
- The GNPF-MUI will hold a peaceful rally with protestors unfolding prayer mats and praying for the arrest of Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, who was named a suspect in a blasphemy case.
- Protesters will perform Islamic devotional chants, known as dzikir, with the theme "Prayer for the Nation's Salvation." Security personnel are encouraged to join protesters in prayer.
- The GNPF-MUI will order all its members to disperse peacefully and return home after the prayer.
- A team will be established to manage technical matters, such as indicating the kiblat direction, providing security at the gates, setting up medical posts and temporary toilets, and safeguarding arriving protesters on Jalan M.H. Thamrin, Jalan Jend. Sudirman and at the Arjuna Wijaya horse statue.
- The GNPF-MUI will not take responsibility for any actions that are not in accordance with the agreed arrangements.
- The police in the various provinces or districts will not prevent people from traveling to Jakarta to attend the rally.
Source: http://jakartaglobe.id/news/organizers-agree-limit-dec-2-rally-monas-area-police/