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Commuter line tightens up security amid anti-Ahok rally reunion
The event had Ahok’s 2017 gubernatorial election rival, who is now Jakarta governor, Anies Baswedan, in attendance.
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Thousands of people gather in the Monument National (Monas) Park in Central Jakarta for the 212 reunion rally in December 2018. (Antara/Akbar Nugroho Gumay)
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tate-owned commuter line operator PT KCI boosted measures in advance of a reunion held by Muslim activists to mark the anniversary of the 2016 anti-Ahok rally ─ also known as the 212 rally ─ around the National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta on Monday.
PT KCI spokesperson Anne Purba said the company deployed a total of 170 security personnel to several stations: Juanda Station, Gondangdia Station and Sudirman Station in Central Jakarta, Manggarai Station in South Jakarta and Bekasi Station in West Java.
“In addition, passenger service officers and portable counters were also placed at a number of stations,” Anne said in a statement. “These measures were carried out to increase service capacity and safety for commuters at stations adjacent to the focal point of the activity.”
She said the company appealed to service users to prioritize common safety by complying with regulations. Updated information about train trips can be accessed through Instagram at @commuterline, Twitter at @commuterline and a call center at 121.
The event, which was held as a reunion of those who attended a Dec. 2 rally in 2016 ─ when Muslim conservatives demanded the imprisonment of then Jakarta governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama for blasphemy ─ also had Ahok’s 2017 gubernatorial election rival, who is now Jakarta governor, Anies Baswedan, in attendance.
Anies said the convening of the 212 rally reunion itself was to send a message of peace and security while commemorating Maulid Nabi Muhammad (the birthday of Prophet Muhammad), which fell on Nov. 9 this year.
“Today, there are so many people from all over Indonesia. I have said that Jakarta welcomes them and I appreciate the worshippers who came in calm and orderly attitudes, just like in the previous years,” Anies told reporters. (syk)
