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US embassy issues alert over rallies protesting recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital
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A rally to express solidarity with Palestine was held in Jakarta on April 3. (JP/Aditya Bhagas)
T
he United States Embassy in Jakarta has issued an alert for US citizens in anticipation of two rallies involving several Muslim organizations in Jakarta and Surabaya to protest against the US’ recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel on Friday morning.
The rally was scheduled to start at 4 a.m. around the National Monument Square, which includes Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan, where the US Embassy is located. Another rally in Surabaya, East Java, was planned to begin at 1 p.m. near the US Consulate General on Jl. Citra Raya Niaga.
“The upcoming relocation of the US Embassy in Israel on May 14 may spark protests, some of which have the potential to become violent,” the embassy said.
The Embassy in Jakarta will also close passport, notarial and visa services to the public on Friday. The Consulate General in Surabaya and Consular Agency in Bali will be open for scheduled appointments.
The so-called 212-alumni, a group of people who rallied against former Jakarta governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama, would go “all out”, said spokesperson of the 212 Alumni Association Novel Bamukmin, as quoted by Antara news agency on Friday.
The clerics slated to attend include Indonesian Ulema Council chairman Ma’ruf Amin, the leader of the National Movement to Safeguard the Indonesian Ulema Councils Fatwa (GNPF-MUI), Bachtiar Nasir, as well as popular clerics Abdullah Gymnastiar, also known as Aa Gym, Felix Siauw and Abdul Somad. (evi)
