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House speaker calls for peaceful rally
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Golkar Party chairman Setya Novanto (left) and Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri shake hands at the latter’s house on Jl. Teuku Umar in Central Jakarta on Sunday. The two leaders have reaffirmed their support for non-active Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama in the Feb. 15 election despite his status as a suspect (JP/Wendra Ajistyatama)
H
ouse of Representatives Speaker Setya Novanto said on Tuesday that he hoped today’s rally held in front of the legislative complex would run smoothly without triggering any disruptions.
Today’s rally led by various Islamic organizations, including the Muslim People’s Forum (FUI) and the National Movement to Safeguard the Indonesian Ulema Council’s Fatwa (GNPF-MUI), demanded the suspension and detainment of Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama.
Setya said he respected those organizations for voicing their opinions.
“Voicing opinions through demonstration is a citizen’s right and it is guaranteed under the law. I hope there won’t be any disruptions to Jakartan’ activities,” said the chairman of the Golkar Party, a major ally in the ruling coalition.
(Read also: Government allies ready to block Ahok inquiry initiative)
When asked about whether he would meet with the organizations’ representatives from the rally, he said it depended on the aspirations the groups were delivering.
According to the FUI, 10,000 people would attend the rally. They are set to meet members of House Commission III overseeing legal affairs and human rights. (rdi/wit)
