Some 1,000 people, including from the National Movement to Safeguard Ulema Fatwas (GNPF) and the 212 Alumni Brotherhood (PA 212), were expected to participate in the rally on Monday around the Patung Kuda traffic circle in Central Jakarta, according to the coordinator of the rally, as reported by tribunnews.com.

Some other online media outlets reported that protesters had begun flocking to the area.

The 212 Alumni Brotherhood is best known for initiating the 212 rally in November 2016 to demand the imprisonment of former Jakarta governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama for alleged blasphemy.

Indonesia will host the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup from May 20 to June 11 this year in six host cities: Jakarta; Palembang, South Sumatra; Bandung, West Java; Surakarta, Central Java; Surabaya, East Java; and Gianyar, Bali.

However, the participation of Israel, which qualified for the competition after securing a spot in the 2022 U-19 EURO Cup in Slovakia last year, has elicited strong reactions from Muslim groups. The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), for instance, has called on the government to explain its decision to allow the Israeli team to take part in the U-20 World Cup.

Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Mahfud MD has said the government has prepared politically and diplomatically for the arrival of the Israeli team, in addition to making security arrangements.

Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) chairman Erick Thohir has said Indonesia will guarantee the security of the Israeli soccer team as it is Indonesia’s responsibility as host of the event

Indonesia is a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause.

The Foreign Ministry has said hosting the U-20 World Cup will not weaken Indonesia’s position on Palestine, and Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia Zuhair Al-Shun has said that Palestine has no qualms with Indonesia hosting the FIFA U-20 World Cup, despite the participation of the Israeli soccer team, as Indonesia has remained consistent in its support for Palestine. (ipa)