Minister Warns Against Possible Infiltration in Dec. 2 Rally

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin has warned that mischievous elements can possibly infiltrate the rally being planned in the capital city Jakarta on December 2. 

The rally is to press for the demand for Ahoks detention over an alleged blasphemy case.

"Certain anti-social elements can potentially infiltrate the crowd for their vested agenda and, therefore, there is need to take precautions," he told newsmen at his office here on Wednesday.

He noted that any demonstration is indeed vulnerable to provocation by such elements since a large number of people are involved in such protests and they may have a proclivity to react.

"The large number of people at one place can possibly be incited as individual voices may not be heeded. Such is the mass psychological effect on such occasions," he explained.

He stated that he would not ban anyone from wishing to organize a mass demonstration on December 2 as the state guarantees the right of expression. However, he hoped that the demonstrators would stay away from indulging in any form of anarchy.

The minister praised Islamic organizations which have directed their members properly not to react disproportionately while conveying their demand for the arrest of Jakarta governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) named as a suspect in a case of alleged blasphemy.

"As far as the legal process in the case was concerned, a number of Islamic organizations have highly appreciated the Indonesia Police for conceding their demand of bringing the matter to justice. The legal process is still underway. Some people have been invited to give clarifications and we must respect the process," he stressed.

Thousands of people attended the mass demonstration on November 4 to demand legal action against Ahok for alleged blasphemy. The rally had gone off peacefully but just after the deadline, there were clashes between security forces and demonstrators.

ANTARA