Members of the People’s Sovereignty National Movement (GNKR) have reportedly planned another postelection rally in front of the Elections Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) building in Central Jakarta from May 29 to 30.

The rally is expected to be carried out in honor of those who died during the riots that broke out in several parts of the capital city last week.

Muchlas Rowie, the chairman of the President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Balad Jokowi volunteer group, responded by asking law enforcement to ban the planned rally to maintain public order and safety. Eight people died while scores of others were injured during the two-day riots last week.

“We ask the police to ban the rally; last week’s riots showed that field coordinators were unable to keep the protesters under control,” Muchlas said on Wednesday as quoted by tribunnews.com.

He went on to say that the planned rally was inappropriate since May 29 and 30 marked the penultimate days of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, which should be filled with peace. 

“Muslims are solemnly observing Ramadan. They need to fast in peace,” Muchlas said, adding that many Muslims would also be busy with mudik (exodus) preparations ahead of Idul Fitri. 

He said everyone should exercise restraint in such delicate situations. 

“Holding a mass prayer for those who died [during last week’s riots] is commendable but it would be wiser if everyone prayed in private,” he said. (rfa)