Presidential spokesman Johan Budi said the President’s visit to the country’s largest airport was part of his “normal activities”.

“The President is visiting Soekarno-Hatta to inspect the progress of transportation infrastructure development, in particular the airport train [project],” he said on Friday.

Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi, Johan says, is accompanying President Jokowi on his visit to Soekarno-Hatta, located some 25 kilometers west of the State Palace.

On Thursday, President Jokowi said he would remain in Jakarta on Friday, when at least of 50,000 people from various Islamic organizations are expected to swarm the capital’s streets to demand the criminal prosecution of gubernatorial candidate and incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Thahaja Purnama on allegations of blasphemy.

(Read also: Police, protesters share tune ahead of rally)

Ahok, a Christian and Indonesian of Chinese descent in the Muslim-majority country, sparked uproar among Islamic groups and communities after he made a comment on verses in the Quran during his visit to Thousand Islands regency in late September. The police have received around a dozen reports regarding the case.

Ahok risks losing his candidacy in the 2017 Jakarta gubernatorial election should he be named a suspect in the case

(Read also: Istiqlal grand imam calls on Ahok protesters to remain calm)

A number of leading Muslim figures have accused law enforcers of protecting Ahok in the case. Ahok, who previously served as deputy Jakarta governor, replaced President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, after the latter won the presidential election in 2014.

Earlier at 9:40 a.m., Vice President Jusuf Kalla arrived at the palace in his official car. (hwa)

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