TEMPO.CO, Pekanbaru - The rally of solidarity for inactive Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama or Ahok in Pekanbaru, Riau, was canceled as a group of people from an organization called Pemuda Madani Cinta Kebersihan Pekanbaru prevented the event from being held.
Police asked Ahok’s supporters to retreat.
“The rally to collect identity cards to support Ahok was canceled, and participants are called on to disperse,” Riau Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Guntor Aryo Tejo said on Saturday night, May 13, 2017.
Ahok earlier was convicted for being found guilty of committing religious blasphemy. However, his supporters believe that the verdict and the order to immediately detain Ahok were unfair. Rallies in a number of cities were staged to express supports for Ahok.
Guntur revealed that the Riau Police deployed 265 personnel to secure the rally that was schedule to commence on Saturday night at 7:30 at Jalan Diponegoro, Pekanbaru.
However, as many as 25 people had arrived at the venue making orations and carrying banners.
“The people expressed their rejections of the 1,000-candle rally and ID cards collection in Pekanbaru,” Guntur added.
At around 8 p.m., Both Ahok’s supporters and the group of people left the venue.
RIYAN NOFITRA