TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The religious group known as 212 Reunion Rally has gathered today on December 2 at the Monas (national monument) square in Gambir to hold yet another annual rally since it was first held on December 2016.

The group’s head of media center, Novel Bamukmin, asserts that nobody or no institution will be allowed to block the event from happening. “The event is an official event and is protected under the Constitution,” said Novel on Friday, November 29.

However, people within and around the Presidential Palace - which is a stone’s throw from the area - gave their comments about the event.

1. Vice President Ma’ruf Amin

The vice president commented by allowing the event to take place as it is the people’s right to express their opinion. “As long as it doesn’t create a ruckus or any forms of anarchy,” said VP Ma’ruf Amin on Thursday, November 28. However, he also once said that the current iteration of the rally is no longer the same after the disbandment of the GNPF (National Movement to Safeguard Ulema Fatwas).

2. Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko

Moeldoko called for the 212 reunion rally participants to maintain public order as it is; “I just think it should go on smoothly. We have all enjoyed the current situation (as in no aspects hampering public order),” he said on Friday, November 22.

3. Coordinating Minister of Politics, Law, and Human Rights Mahfud MD

Mahfud MD on November 27 has openly announced that the rally may be held as planned and even went as far as to guarantee that it will be protected. “We will surely guard the event, apart from monitoring it and protecting it so nothing we don’t expect will happen.”

4. Minister of Religious Affairs Fachrul Razi

The religious affairs minister said that there are no reasons to reject the 212 reunion rally as long as the participants are able to guarantee that the event will run smoothly and securely. “I have faith and calls for fellows participating in the event to show that Islam is incredible,” said the Minister.

BUDIARTI UTAMI PUTRI