REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Jakarta Police has said it was fully capable of ensuring security during the 212 rally on Friday at the National Monument Square (Monas) in Central Jakarta, Jakarta Police's Chief Inspector, General M Iriawan, has stated. "We are ready to secure the mass prayer and to serve the people participating in the event," M Iriawan said here on Wednesday evening.
The police and the National Movement to Guard the Indonesian Council of Ulama's Fatwa (GNPF MUI), he noted, would prepare and arrange for the stage, accommodation, tents, beverages, water for ablutions and so on. He refused to disclose the number of personnel deployed to secure the mass prayer. "There will be sufficient number of personnel. We do not need additional personnel from other regions," Iriawan remarked.
He also could not estimate the number of people who will participate in the event. "The mass prayer will include dhikr (religious chant), lectures and Friday prayers," he pointed out.
In addition, he noted that the Confederation of Indonesian Workers Unions (KSPI) has agreed not to hold a rally on December 2. Meanwhile, Jakarta Military Command chief Maj. Gen. Teddy Lhaksamana assured that the military would assist the police to secure the rally.
The 212 rally will be held in a form of mass prayer. The rally is staged following the two previous demonstration. GNPF MUI demand legal action against Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) who was accused of committing blasphemy against the Holy Quran.