Jakarta Metro Police Ban Planned Anti-Ahok Rally for Saturday
8 February 2017 06:50 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Metro Police chief M Iriawan has banned the so-called “112” act (Anti-Ahok rally) scheduled for Saturday, February 11, 2017.
“Jakarta Metro Police forbid the long march… based on the laws that stipulate the prohibition,” Iriawan said yesterday in Jakarta.
The National Movement to Safeguard the Indonesian Ulema Council’s Edict (GNPF MUI) had planned to stage a rally on February 11. They would gather at the Istiqlal Mosque before heading to Monas [the National Monument] area, the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout and back to Monas to disperse.
Another reason for Iriawan to issue the ban is because February 11 will be the last day of Jakarta election campaign period.
“We expect community members who had planned to take to the streets on [Feb.] 11 to cancel it. Otherwise, legal actions will be taken,” Iriawan said.
Jakarta Military District commander Teddy Lhaksmana has backed Jakarta Metro Police’s decision.
“… I, Jakarta Military District commander fully back Jakarta Metro Police to ensure a peaceful, successful [Jakarta] election. We will support Jakarta Metro Police through the deployment of military personnel or otherwise,” Teddy said.
ANTARA
