"Demonstration is a constitutional right of citizens. Please go ahead but be peaceful and not to disrupt public order," the police general said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Police Chief Gen. Tito Karnavian warned protesters demanding the arrest of Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) not to disrupt public order.

The group called itself National Movement Guarding the Rule of Indonesian Ulema Council (GNPF MUI) plans another big rally early next month in Jakarta.

"Demonstration is a constitutional right of citizens. Please go ahead but be peaceful and not to disrupt public order," the police general said sternly here on Monday.

He said there are things they could not do such as that they must not stage action at the main roads of the city.

The protesters are not allowed to perform Friday prayers at Jalan Sudirman, Hotel Indonesia (HI) circle and Jalan Thamrin on Dec. 2, he said.

"Go ahead performing Friday prayer at the Istiglal Mosque, Banteng Square and Monas square, but not at Jalan Thamrin, HI circle and Jalan Sudirman. It is strictly not allowed," he said.

Earlier GNPF MUI announced the Friday prayer on Dec. 2 would be held at those main roads to demand the arrest of Ahok, which has been named a suspect in blasphemy case.

"As Ahok is not arrested , GNPF MUI would stage Islam Defending Action on Dec. 2 with a theme of Unity and Pray for for the Nation," Munarmand the spokesman of the Islam Defender Front (FPI), which organized the Nov.4 big rally calling for the prosecution of Ahok.

Two weeks after the rally, police investigators decided that Ahok blasphemy case should go to court.

Police have said no reason to arrest Ahok, who is seeking reelection and now busy campaigning ahead of the gubernatorial election in February next year.

The incumbent has two rivals in the election including Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, son of former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Anies Baswedan, former education minister.

The non-active governor is cooperative and there were dissenting opinions among the police investigators before deciding him a suspect, police said.

Ahok, however, is banned from leaving the country.

Police said the demonstration had been misused by a certain anti government groups which have certain agenda not the same as that of the masses.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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