Muslim Crowds Flock Istiqlal Grand Mosque for Massive Peaceful Rally

Jakarta, (Antara) - Thousands of individuals as well as members of Muslim organizations have flocked to Istiqlal Grand Mosque and the surrounding areas in Central Jakarta for a massive peaceful rally.

The rally was organized to protest against Jakarta Governor Tjahaja Basuki Purnamas' alleged blasphemous statement concerning the Holy Quran.

The protestors have come from various regions across the country such as East Java, West Java, Central Java, South Kalimantan, and West Sumatra.

In his oration before protestors here on Friday, Kiai Jafar Siddiq, an ulema (Islamic scholar) from Jakarta, said that the peaceful rally did not have anything to do with the upcoming Jakarta gubernatorial election or other political interests.

The Muslims are united in the rally to call for legal enforcement against the alleged blasphemy, he said.

The rally is to be held after Friday Mass Prayers, and the protestors are expected to move to areas surrounding the Presidential Palace after the prayers.

Earlier, several ulemas, who coordinated the rally, said the rally would be peaceful and was not meant to be anti-China or anti-non-Muslims but was to demand for legal enforcement and justice.

The Indonesian Police has said that an investigation regarding the alleged blasphemy case was still underway and asked Muslims to be patient.(*)