TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Several communities planned to stage a rally to defend Palestine in front of the United States Embassy Office after Friday prayers today, May 21.

Central Jakarta Police Chief Sr. Comr. Hengki Haryadi said 2,625 joint personnel from the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the National Police were deployed to secure the demonstration.

Other than securing the street rally, the police would also focus on monitoring the implementation of the predetermined health protocols. Hengki appealed to participants to keep complying with the protocols in an effort to break the chain of coronavirus transmission that causes Covid-19.

The same appeal was also addressed to security personnel in the location. “We hope all people abide by the health protocols,” said Hengki to Tempo on Thursday, May 20, 2021.

The rally would be held on Friday afternoon at 13:00. The mass would gather at the AlFatah Mosque, Menteng, Central Jakarta, and conduct a long march to the U.S. Embassy Office in Gambir, Central Jakarta.

Through the circulating banners, people willing to join the rally were required to comply with the health protocols of wearing face masks, carrying hand sanitizers, and changing clothes.

A number of masses had previously held a solidarity movement to defend Palestine since Tuesday, May 18, in front of the U.S. Embassy Office and the United Nations (UN) Office in Menteng, Central Jakarta.

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INGE KLARA SAFITRI