TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian National Police Public Relations Chief, Ins. Boy Rafli Amar has called on the public to conduct a peaceful protest on December 2, 2016. He also said that the announcement released by the Police Chief is not to prohibit demonstration acts but more of a warning as to not violate the law.

Boy’s statement was to respond to the upcoming rally, popularly known as Third Act to Defend Islam on December 2, 2016, mobilized by the National Movement to Protect the MUI Fatwa (GNPF MUI). The spokesperson for the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), Munarman, said that the movement is a response to Basuki ‘Ahok’ Tjahaja Purnama being named as a suspect, but not imprisoned.

The act will start by conducting the Friday prayers together. The participants plan to gather and conduct the Friday prayer along the Jalan Sudirman until Jalan MH Thamrin, Jakarta. As many as 67 Islamic organizations are predicted to participate in the rally.

“We’re not prohibiting the demonstration, but (urging for) a violation-free protest,” Boy said on Thursday, November 24, 2016.

He said that the rally must be in line with the law. “The public must be sensible and wise while conducting a protest act,” he said. Boy also stated that a demonstration must be conducted in a location where it would not obstruct public interest. “We must respect the rights of the people that are not (participating) in the protest,” he said.

BRIAN HIKARI | EZ