APSN | Thousands to hit capital for anti-Ahok rally on Friday

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Thousands to hit capital for anti-Ahok rally on Friday

Jakarta Post - March 30, 2017

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Indra Budiari, Jakarta – Another large rally is expected to hit the streets of Jakarta on Friday, as thousands of people will hold a protest to demand that Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama be dismissed from his post.

Initiated by the Muslim People Forum (FUI), rally coordinator Muhammad Al Khottot said Thursday that similar to previous rallies against the governor, the participants would come from all over the country, hinting that hundreds of thousands might take part.

"I am not sure how many will come but I hope it will be similar to 411," he told reporters, referring to the Nov. 4 rally, which many consider to be one of the largest protests the country has ever seen.

The mass will gather at Istiqlal Grand Mosque in Central Jakarta before marching to the US Embassy, City Hall and then ending at the State Palace.

Khottot said despite various rumors circulating on social media that the rally might turn violent, he was certain that the participants had no intention of provoking any riots.

"We hope the palace will open its gate for us so we can have dialogue and deliver our requests," he continued.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/03/30/thousands-to-hit-capital-for-anti-ahok-rally-on-friday.html.