APSN | Jakarta students' union will not participate in Tuesday's rally

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Jakarta students' union will not participate in Tuesday's rally

Jakarta Globe - February 20, 2017

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Jakarta – A major university students' group said it will not participate in the so-called 212 protest rally on Tuesday (21/02) as it seeks to maintain security and stability ahead of the second round of the Jakarta gubernatorial election.

The rally, organized by the Indonesian Muslim Forum (FUI), will take place in front of the national legislative complex in Senayan, South Jakarta, to demand the suspension of Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, who is currently on trial for blasphemy.

Ayaturrahman, coordinator of the Jakarta Association of University Student Executive Bodies (BEM), said Tuesday's rally will likely involve a certain political agenda and that the union is concerned about possible provocation that could result in conflict.

"We need to take a firm stand in this situation since we want the Jakarta election to proceed in proper and transparent way," Ayaturrahman said on Sunday.

He added that the union was committed to maintaining peace and calm in the capital ahead the second poll, scheduled for April 19. The BEM also supports legal measures against anyone who has violated the law, Ayaturrahman said.

The Jakarta Islamic University (UIJ), Jayabaya University, Borobudur University, Hamka University, Indraprasta University, Jakarta Attahiriyah Islamic University, Mpu Tantular University, Jakarta Banking and Economy Academy, Sint Carolus Health Academy and Al-Aqidah Islamic College are members of the BEM.

Source: http://jakartaglobe.id/news/jakarta-students-union-will-not-participate-in-tuesdays-rally/.