Among other out-of-the-ordinary scenes observed during the rally, around 500 out of the 18,000 security personnel on guard are wearing white turbans and peci (traditional Muslim cap).

Jakarta Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Awi Setiyono said the turban-clad personnel and other well-trained police officers were selected because they had memorized the Asmaul Husna, or 99 names of Allah, among others things.

Selecting the personnel with the most religious knowledge was one of the creative approaches the National Police’s Mobile Brigade (Brimob) division was taking to deal with the massive demonstration, he said as quoted by kompas.com.

With such a measure, Awi said, the police wanted to show that they were opting for persuasive, rather than repressive, approaches in handling the protesters.

He further said the turban-clad Brimob personnel were ready to chant the praises of God and read out the Asmaul Husna as it would be effective at calming down tensions.

“We should remind them that we, the police, are of the same faith as all of those protesters,” said Awi.

Dispatching hijab-wearing female officers to the front line of security barriers during Friday’s rally was another example of the police’s humanistic approach in securing the demonstration.  It was hoped that the female personnel could persuade the protesters to remain orderly.

“We hope they can help in reducing anger and emotion,” he told The Jakarta Post.  Around 300 hijab-clad female police officers were deployed at the rally. (ebf)

Callistasia Anggun Wijaya contributed to this story.

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