TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian nationals in foreign countries are planning to stage rallies to express supports for inactive Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama or Ahok. They will light candles, sing the National Anthem of Indonesia, and wear black or white and red clothes.

One of the rallies will be launched by Indonesian citizens in Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto, Canada, on Friday, May 12, 2017, at 9 pm local time. The event titled “Candlelight Vigil, Justice for Ahok,” promotes the unity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. The organizing committee requires participants to wear black clothes.

Another rally will be held in Perth, Australia, on Saturday, May 13, 2017, at Sir James Mitchell Park. The poster of the event contains writings expressing supports for Ahok, such as “Calling to All WNI, For Unity”, and “Pak Ahok, You’ll Never Walk Alone!”. The event will be held at 2 pm local time, and the organizing committee requires the participants to wear red and white clothes.

On the same day in Vancouver, Canada, at 8 pm local time, Indonesian citizens will launch a rally called “Vancouver Pray For Indonesia, Solidarity With Ahok”. The organizing committee of the event requires participants to carry candles, wear read-and-white or black-and-white clothes. The Indonesian citizens will also sing the National Anthem and other national songs.

Indonesian citizens in Los Angeles, US, will also hold a similar rally on Saturday, May 13, 2017, at 5 pm local time. The organizing committee requires participants to bring candles to the event. They will also perform joint prayers and sing national songs.

Indonesian citizens in Sidney, Australia, and Taipei, Taiwan, will hold similar rallies on Sunday, May 14, 2017.

ANTARA