Jakarta – The Islamic Defenders Front, or FPI, said that despite the police ban, it will hold a long march-cum-rally on Saturday (11/02), on Jakarta's Jalan Jenderal Sudirman and Jalan Thamrin.

"We will still have the rally," said Ahmad Shobri Lubis of the FPI on Wednesday. He added that the Islamic Forum, or FUI, coordinates the so-called "112 rally" and members of the FPI will come as participants.

He also denied the statement of FPI Jakarta branch chairman Abuya Abdul Majid, who said that FPI will not participate in the march.

Abuya has contradicted the branch's secretary general, Novel Bamukmin, who claimed that FPI Jakarta will participate in the protest. Majid said that Novel did not represent the FPI leadership, which only wants to stage a mass prayer.

No Permit

The police have said they will not allow the rally, citing security concerns ahead of the Feb. 15 simultaneous regional elections. On Feb. 2, the FUI sent a permit request to the Jakarta Police, but it was rejected.

Source: http://jakartaglobe.id/news/fpi-hold-rally-saturday-despite-police-ban/