Carlos Roy Fajarta Barus, Jakarta – A group opposed to Basuki Tjahja Purnama as Jakarta governor marched in the capital's streets on Monday, bringing traffic to a standstill on a stretch of road that connects City Hall to the State Palace.

Supporters of the Jakarta Citizens Movement (GMJ), which was initiated by the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), walked along Jalan M.H. Thamrin, from City Hall in Medan Merdeka Selatan, to the State Palace in Medan Merdeka Utara.

High Priest and former FPI Leader, Habib Muhammad Rizieq Shihab, said he wanted Basuki to step down and GMJ would not accept him as Jakarta's governor. The FPI and associated hardline Islamic groups are opposed to Basuki, who is Christian and ethnic Chinese, because he is not Muslim.

About 1,000 demonstrators are believed to have taken part in the demonstration. Unlike in previous rallies, GMJ mobilized women, who were seen marching at the front.

Yulina, 46, said on Monday morning that she was excited about the demonstration, despite the harsh sun. "The sun won't let us down because the most important thing is that Ahok step down as Jakarta governor," she said, referring to Basuki by his nickname. Yulina said her husband supported her participating in the demonstration.

In symbolic protest of Basuki's governorship, the FPI also named one of its own as unofficial governor of Indonesia's largest city.

"From now on we have our own governor, Fakhrur Rozi Ishak; Ahok can be discarded and Fakhrur is now our governor," Habib told the crowd outside City Hall. Fakhrur then read an oath and pledged the group would not stop until Ahok had been impeached.

Basuki, who was inside City Hall during the protest, responded nonchalantly to the commotion outside his office. "Maybe they also need to appoint a new god as well," Basuki said.

The police were monitoring the rally, and secured the area around the City Hall and the State Palace.

Source: http://thejakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/fpi-backed-group-demonstrate-ahok-jakarta-governor/