Mass Friday Prayer Held before French Embassy as Protest Against Macron

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Demonstration against French President Emmanuel Macron's statement about Islam and the Prophet Muhammad cartoon was held again in front of the French Embassy today, November 6, 2020.

Central Jakarta Police Head of Operations, Adj. Sr. Comr. Wiraga Dimas Tama, said two mass organizations from university students and religious groups will stage a protest. 

“[It will be held] at 1 p.m., but they are planning to hold mass Friday prayer first there,” Wiraga told Tempo.

Based on the notice letter submitted to the police, Wiraga said some 400 to 600 people will attend the rally. To secure the action, the police have deployed 1,000 personnel.

The traffic diversion, he added, will depend on the situation. “We call on and urge the mass to maintain public order and not disturb others,” Wiraga said.

Rallies against Macron have been staged several times in Jakarta. One of the demonstrations was initiated by the PA 211 who also called for a boycott of French products.

President Joko Jokowi Widodo on Saturday, October 31, also declared that Indonesia condemns President Emmanuel Macron’s statement which was considered insulting Islam and Muslims. He said Macron has hurt the feelings of Muslims around the world and triggered the disunity of the world's religious communities.

“Freedom of expression should not be exercised in ways that tarnish the honor, sanctity, and sacredness of religious values and symbols,” said Jokowi in a virtual press conference.

Read: French Product Boycotts; Police Calls on People to Maintain Public Order

M JULNIS FIRMANSYAH