"Santris should not sow hatred, scorn and insult. They should restrain from vandalizing and committing anarchic acts. They must demonstrate in an orderly and peaceful manner," IPI Chairman KH Zaini Ahmad said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Pesantren (Islamic Boarding Schools) Association (IPI) has called on santris (pesantren students) to pay high respect to the Islamic morality when taking part in rallies in Jakarta on Friday.

"Santris should not sow hatred, scorn and insult. They should restrain from vandalizing and committing anarchic acts. They must demonstrate in an orderly and peaceful manner," IPI Chairman KH Zaini Ahmad said in a text message to ANTARA here on Thursday.

IPI also called on demonstrators to be watchful of parties, who want to take advantage of the rallies to tarnish the image of Islam and destroy the integrity of the nation.

He said IPI does not prohibit santries who want to stage rallies because they want to express their aspirations and discontent (over the alleged blasphemy against the holy Koran).

The national police chief said on Wednesday that the people of Indonesia should not be easily provoked by the possibility of anarchist acts regarding the demonstration scheduled to take place on November 4.

"I urge the people to not be easily provoked and carry out anarchist acts," National Police Chief General Tito Karnavian said after attending the sixth World Peace Forum in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Provocations can emerge from social media, as it is able to freely provide all sorts of content, due to its unruly structure.

"Do not be easily influenced by social media; thoroughly digest information instead of taking it as it is and getting carried away," Tito said.

He added that demonstrators should also pay attention to the guidelines regarding demonstrations written in State Law number 9 of 1998 about Freedom of Public Expression and the United Nations International Covenant of Political and Civil Rights.

There are at least four laws that need to be followed by demonstrators, which include refraining from bothering others human rights, not disturbing the public, paying attention to ethics and morals and maintaining national unity.

"The police and military force will keep an eye on the demonstration, but we are asking demonstrators to understand these laws first," he said.

Tito said he is confident that if the people are not easily provoked and social media platforms provide only accountable content, then the demonstration should go on peacefully.

He had also ordered his personnel to take action against provocateurs who influence people to carry out violent acts.

The Police Chief also expressed hope that the brigade corps would secure the agenda, preventing the demonstration from taking a violent turn.

A number of Islamic organizations have planned to carry out a demonstration on November 4 in Jakarta to protest against the religious defamation by incumbent Governor of Jakarta Basuki Tjahaja Purnama.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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