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Thousands to protest against Ahok's alleged blasphemy remarks
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Protesters conduct a long march about Jakarta General Elections Commission on Sept. 21. In the protest, people refused the candidacy of Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama as a candidate in the 2017 Jakarta gubernatorial election. (JP/Dhoni Setiawan)
T
housands of people plan to join a protest held on Friday in Central Jakarta against Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama's alleged religious defamation remarks.
Based on the reports received by Jakarta Police, there are about 5,000 people from a variety of civil organizations who plan to march from Istiqlal Mosque up to City Hall, Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Awi Setiyono said as reported by Kompas.com on Friday.
He urged protesters to conduct the rally peacefully.
As part of security measures, Jakarta Police will deploy 2,800 personnel to secure the areas where the protests will be held as well as to make sure there are no disruptions in public order and traffic.
The number of personnel could increase depending on the situation, Awi said.
The number could reach 3,000 officers of Central Jakarta Police.
The protesters, comprised of Islamic-based groups, such as Islamic Defenders' Front (FPI), will observe Friday prayer in Istiqlal Mosque before a march to the National Police's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) office in Gambir, Central Jakarta. The protestors plan to end the protest at City Hall, according to police.
The protest is in response to Ahok's alleged religious defamation. The protesters demand Bareskrim to process the report filed against the outspoken governor. (rin)
