PKS expects Rp 2 billion from rally

The Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) expects to raise Rp 2 billion (US$184,000) from at a rally staged in Jakarta on Friday against Israeli aggression toward Palestinians in Gaza.

The rally was attended by some 200,000 party sympathizers from Jakarta and Greater Jakarta, PKS spokesperson Tubagus Arif said.

Money collected from the donation initiative -- called "One Man, One Dollar. Save Palestine" -- would be managed by the so-called National Committee for the Palestinian People (KNRP) and then used directly for humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza.

"The sum total of the donations may be small, but the solidarity and prayers of the Indonesian people, I believe, will strengthen the spirit of the Palestinian people in facing the Israelis," Arif said.

As of 3.45 p.m., several areas in Central Jakarta, particularly around Jl. Thamrin and Jl. Sudirman, were still congested from the peaceful rally. (and)