Let the police work in accordance with the existing regulations."
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - All Indonesian citizens should protect the legacy of unity for which Indonesias forefathers strove in their quest for independence.

"Without unity, we cannot become a sovereign nation. In the absence of sovereignty, we will not be able to achieve justice for all the people," Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Wiranto, said here on Monday.

The minister urged the people to accord priority to national interests and unity while conveying their aspirations.

"We should entrust the law enforcement agencies to deal with the case of alleged blasphemy committed by Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok), the Jakarta governor," he remarked.

Referring to the meeting of religious leaders, he noted that the government received useful inputs for policy formulation as part of the efforts to create a peaceful, stable and conducive situation in the country.

Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin urged the people to wait for the decision in Ahoks case.

"Let the police work in accordance with the existing regulations," he added.

Referring to the proposed December 2 rally, the minister pointed out that all citizens had the right to convey their aspirations, including by holding demonstrations.

However, the rally must be organized in an orderly manner and in accordance with the regulations.

"The Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) should be safeguarded properly," he stressed.

Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian had earlier warned protesters seeking the arrest of Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) not to disrupt public order.

A group calling itself the 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 do not disrupt public order," the police general warned sternly here on Monday.

He cautioned that there are certain things they cannot indulge in, such as disrupting the traffic along 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 underlined.

"Go ahead and perform the 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 reminded.

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

"If Ahok is not arrested, the GNPF MUI would stage an Defending Islam Action on Dec. 2 with the theme of Unity and Prayer for the Nation," Munarmand, the spokesman of the Islam Defender Front (FPI), which organized the massive Nov.4 rally calling for the prosecution of Ahok, announced.
(Uu.A063/INE/KR-BSR/B003)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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