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Islamic groups to hold parallel Nov. 4 rally in S. Sulawesi
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Coordination — South Sulawesi Police deputy chief Brig. Gen. Gatot Edi Pramono (left) and Ustadz Sirajuddin (right) of the United Muslim Forum, as well as representatives of several mass organizations, hold a meeting at the police headquarters in Makassar on Wednesday. They discussed a rally expected to take place in Makassar on Friday against religious defamation allegedly committed by inactive Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama. (JP/Andi Hajramurni)
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slamic organizations in Makassar, South Sulawesi, are set to hold a rally on Nov. 4 against religious defamation allegedly committed by inactive Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama. A large-scale rally is also expected in Jakarta on the same day.
Participants of the rally initiated by the South Sulawesi chapter of the United Muslim Forum’s (FUIB) Petition 51 are scheduled to gather after Friday prayers. Departing from Al Markaz Al Islami Mosque in Makassar, they will march to the South Sulawesi governor’s office, which is around 3 kilometers away.
FUIB South Sulawesi secretary-general Hidayatullah said around 3,000 people had registered to participate and the number was expected to increase. “We estimate the number of rally participants will reach up to 5,000 people,” he said on Wednesday.
Members and supporters of the forum, which groups around 60 mass organizations, from other cities across South Sulawesi are reportedly ready to participate.
Hidayatullah said the FUIB had guaranteed that the rally would run smoothly and peacefully, without anarchy, as the forum had anticipated the possible infiltration of provocateurs. He said the FUIB had also coordinated with the South Sulawesi Police.
South Sulawesi Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Frans Barung Mangera said 2,232 personnel would be deployed to secure the rally.
“The FUIB guarantees the rally will run peacefully and in an orderly manner. South Sulawesi Police deputy chief Brig. Gen. Gatot Edi Pramono has said the police will guard it. But if a rally participant commits an anarchic act, we will not hesitate to take tough measures,” said Barung.
Meanwhile, around 1,000 South Sulawesi residents will reportedly join the National Movement of Indonesian Ulema Council Edict Supporters (GNPF MUI), which will take part in the large-scale rally on Friday in Jakarta. (ebf)
