The government has banned any rally during the cooling-off period on February 12-14, 2017, ahead of the simultaneous regional head elections to be held in 101 regions, including in Jakarta, on Feb 15.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Vice President M. Jusuf Kalla has lauded a decision to turn the "112" rally into mass prayers at the Istiqlal Mosque, Central Jakarta.

"It is clear that the government does not allow holding a rally during the cooling-off period (of the regional head elections). As long as it is a prayer and istighosah, please go ahead. It is a good middle-path solution," Kalla stated here on Friday with regard to a plan by several Muslim organizations grouped in the Forum of Muslims (FUI) and some individuals to hold mass prayers on Saturday (Feb 11) in Jakarta.

The government has banned any rally during the cooling-off period on February 12-14, 2017, ahead of the simultaneous regional head elections to be held in 101 regions, including in Jakarta, on Feb 15.

If FUI insists on holding an event in the form of a mass prayer, it has to abide by the regulations set by the police.

"The government and police do not want to be viewed as the ones banning people wanting to attend a prayer. If they want to pray, it is alright. Anyone can pray," he added.

On Thursday evening (Feb 9), Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Wiranto received Rizieq Shihab, chairman of the Islam Defenders Front, and Bachtiar Nasir, chairman of the Movement of Indonesian Ulema Councils Fatwa (Ruling) Guardians, as well as other prominent Muslim figures, to hold discussions regarding the "112" event.

At the meeting, they agreed that the event will be held in the form of a mass prayer to be centered at the Istiqlal Mosque, and there would be no long march.

To secure the event, a total of 28,150 security personnel will be deployed, comprising 23,450 police officers and 4,700 military personnel.

Thousands of Muslims from across the country are expected to attend the mass prayer.

They are expected to perform the Fajr and Noon prayers and hear sermons to be delivered by several prominent Muslim figures. (*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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