After his controversial speech highlighting pribumi (indigenous people) during the Dutch colonial era, religious leaders demanded on Sunday that Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan repair the damage he had caused as the racially infused statement had inspired acts of intolerance.

Religious leaders have called on the new Jakarta governor to maintain harmony and pluralism in the city during his tenure, which lasts until 2022.

They said that with ethnicity and religious sentiments still plaguing the city after the gubernatorial election earlier this year, religious minorities might be oppressed or neglected amid rising tensions.

Although Anies has dismissed allegations that he singled out a particular ethnicity or religion, his remarks have inspired groups of people to begin pribumi movements.

On Thursday, just three days after his speech on his inauguration day, a banner reading “The rise of Pribumi Muslims” appeared on Jl. Raya Menteng, a main street in Central Jakarta.

The 10-meter-wide banner stretched out onto the road near an intersection. In addition to its provocative message, the banner also bore a photo of Anies and his deputy Sandiaga Uno.

On Sunday, another group calling itself Gerakan Bangga Pribumi (Proud to be Indigenous Movement), gathered during Car Free Day at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle and demanded that the Jakarta administration stop reclamation projects in Jakarta Bay.

Popular

To my horror, it’s just a movie!

RI, Australia strengthen partnership on taxing crypto assets

Pentagon chief congratulates Prabowo on being elected President