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FPI to hold rally against Ahok on Wednesday
The hardline Islamic group, Islam Defenders Front (FPI), plans to hold a demonstration against the appointment of current Jakarta Deputy Governor Basuki âAhokâ Tjahaja Purnama as new Jakarta governor in October
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he hardline Islamic group, Islam Defenders Front (FPI), plans to hold a demonstration against the appointment of current Jakarta Deputy Governor Basuki 'Ahok' Tjahaja Purnama as new Jakarta governor in October.
The hardline group plans to hold the demonstration in front of Jakarta City Council on Wednesday.
The group's opposition is due to Ahok's alleged insensitivity regarding ethnicity, religion, race and group issues.
The FPI is urging the Home Affairs Ministry and the Jakarta City Council not to name Ahok governor, while at the same time calling on the council to choose another person for the job, or allow for a public referendum.
'We are rejecting Ahok as the governor because he is arrogant and ignorant. He thinks that he is the only one who has guts. Well we'll show him. Isn't there anyone better?' Jakarta FPI head Habib Salim Alattas said on Sunday as quoted by kompas.com.
Alattas claimed some 2,000 people would take part in the demonstration, both from the FPI and several other organizations. Leaders of the rally will also file a request to talk to city councilors, or with Ahok himself.
In response to initial reports of a rally against him, Ahok merely dismissed the FPI's plans, reminding them that if they planned to hold a demonstration, they needed to acquire the proper licenses from the police.
'If they want to do so, go ahead. Just make sure to get the proper documents. I'll be watching from the office,' Ahok said on Thursday.
Anti-Ahok banners and flyers have already been circulated by the FPI in the lead-up to Wednesday's action.
Previously, Ahok said that protests against him had become commonplace so that he now just takes it all in stride. (dyl/nvn)
