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akarta: The discussion and book launch of Canadian pluralist activist Irshad Manji on Jl. Salihara, South Jakarta, was disrupted on Friday evening by claims that local residents and mass groups disapproved of the activity.

“The local residents disapproved and this activity involves a foreigner, therefore it requires a special permit from the Jakarta Police,” Pasar Minggu Police chief. Comr. Adri Desas Furyanto said.

“This Irshad is a lesbian, do you want this country to become like that?” said Akse, one of the people who protested the event.

Another person claiming to be a resident of Tanjung Barat said that Manji was part of a group of liberal Muslims.

“Indonesia is not a Muslim country but it is also not a devil’s country,” he said.

Ulil Abshar Abdalla, a Democratic Party leader and activist known for his liberal stance towards Islam, who was present during the event, said that the disbanding of the event was unfair.

“Freedom of speech not only belongs to conservative groups,” he said. (asa)