Jakarta – Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan has given permission for an Islamic rally, which has been dubbed a 212 reunion rally, to be held on Dec. 2 at the National Monument (Monas) Park, Central Jakarta, an official has said.
A number of Muslim communities have expressed their desire to hold a rally to commemorate the 212 Rally, which was staged on Dec. 2 last year to demand the prosecution of then Jakarta governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, contributing to Anies' victory in the gubernatorial election in April.
"The organizer [of the rally] sent a letter [seeking a permit] to us last week," said Monas technical management unit head, Munjirin, as quoted by kompas.com on Wednesday.
He added that the management unit then forwarded the letter to the Jakarta Tourism Agency. "From the agency, the letter was sent to the governor and the governor gave his approval today [Wednesday]," he added.
He said the management would coordinate with the organizer on the technical execution of the rally.
"If possible, we want to persuade them to hold the reunion at Istiqlal Mosque [Central Jakarta] only, so that the event will be safe and controlled," he said, adding that the Jakarta Police and the Indonesian Military (TNI) were ready to provide security.
Previously, when asked about a prospective 212 reunion rally, Anies was tight-lipped on whether he would grant permission, saying "that is none of my business." (agn)