TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The 212 Alumni Brotherhood (PA 212) is set to hold a mass prayer dubbed Munajat Kubro and the 212 reunion at the National Monument or Monas, Central Jakarta, on Saturday, December 2. The event also aims to show support for Palestine and pray for the safety of Indonesia.

“The congregation is expected to come from all over Indonesia, especially from Bodetabek (Greater Jakarta), Banten, and West Java,” PA 212’s Deputy Secretary, Novel Bamukmin, told tempo on Friday, December 1. He estimated that the annual event, which will start from 03:00 to 09:00 Jakarta time, will draw three million people.

Novel said the organizing committee would also collect donations for Palestine. “We hope that Palestine will be independent and pray for the safety of the nation (Indonesia),” he added. He also prayed for the upcoming 2024 elections to run smoothly.

Novel expressed optimism that the weather will be sunny during the event. “Even if it rains, the 212 masses are experienced [in dealing with it],” he said confidently.

The 212 Reunion’s steering committee chair Slamet Maarif said his side had invited Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi and Jakarta Acting Governor Heru Budi Hartono to speak on stage as the hosts, as well as Jakarta Police Chief Inspector General Karyoto, Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque Nasaruddin Umar, and figures from Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Muhammadiyah, and other Islamic mass organizations.

“In general, the committee invites all Muslims to knock on heaven's door together,” Slamet said.

The Islamic Brotherhood Front (FPI) leader Muhammad Rizieq Shihab was also invited. However, his presence remains uncertain due to his wife’s ill health. Meanwhile, Rizieq's lawyer, Aziz Yanuar, said that Rizieq's presence could be confirmed tomorrow.

M. FAIZ ZAKI

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