The Aksi Indonesia Bebaskan Baitul Maqdis (Indonesian Action for the Liberation of Jerusalem) was held at the National Monument (Monas) Park in Central Jakarta on Friday.

The protesters, who were of all age groups and filled up to a quarter of Monas Square, were organized under the so-called 212 Alumni group, in reference to people who had rallied last December against then-Jakarta governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama, including the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) and the Islam Defenders Troops (LPI).

“This National Monument Park, which used to be called Ikada Park, was the meeting place of the Indonesian people and our founding fathers right after our independence. Today, Jakarta is proud that [the protesters] stressed that Palestine, too, wants to be independent,” Anies told reporters after a mass Friday prayer at Monas, which he attended.

“It is clear that the crowds gathered at Monas today want to send a message to the world that Indonesia is consistent in supporting the Palestinian struggle of independence,” Anies said.

He said the Indonesian people supported the diplomatic efforts by the Indonesian government to support the cause of the Palestinians.

Analysts have argued that Anies Baswedan won the governorship of Jakarta in May owed to Muslim voters, who - mobilized by identity politics - decided to throw their support behind Anies. (ami)

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