Jakarta – Jakarta Tourism and Culture Agency head Tinia Budiati has called on residents to be positive regarding the administration's plan to use the National Monument (Monas) for religious events.
She said Monas was a public space that could accommodate public activities, including religious events.
"We should be able to try [and hold events there], because it is a public space," Tinia said on Tuesday, according to kompas.com report. "We will monitor and assess the activities. Do not reject the idea before it is implemented," she said.
Tinia was responding to public criticism of Islamic gatherings to be held at Monas on Nov. 26, Nov. 30, Dec. 1 and Dec. 2.
Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan plans to restore the Monas's function as a facility for religious events, which is contrary to the policies of his predecessor, Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama. (wnd)