Yogyakarta (ANTARA) - Central Executive Board Chairman of Muhammadiyah, Indonesia's second-largest Islamic organization, Haedar Nashir, has appealed to the people to not take part in the rally on May 22 in Jakarta.

"People need not head to Jakarta and can echo their aspirations from their respective places," Haedar Nashir stated after he met with Yogyakarta Governor Sultan HB X at the Kepatihan Complex, Yogyakarta, Tuesday.

Nashir is pinning hopes of Muslims engaging in self-reflection during this fasting month by steering clear of any acts that can run counter to the values of fasting.

"The appeal is made for the sake of the nation and state. Expressing aspirations should be in accordance with the Constitution," he stated.

However, Nashir has called on state officials across all levels to desist from making provocative statements that trigger turmoil in the community.

He is optimistic of the president and vice-president elect fulfilling the mandate to the best of their ability and the losers accepting defeat graciously.

Nashir stated that people keen on being vociferous about their aspirations in the public space must adhere to the rules and Constitution.

"We also appeal to the entire community to stay calm and adopt a mature outlook. We call on the public to respect the constitutional decision while creating a conducive situation," Nashir stated.

Presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto had earlier called on his supporters to hold peaceful rallies over the results of the 2019 Presidential Election.

Subianto has guaranteed that his supporters have no intent of committing treason or going against the Constitution.

"I am optimistic that your actions or activities would run in the spirit of peace. Hence, (the rallies) will be held in a constitutional and democratic manner and remain peaceful without any incidents of violence," Subianto stated in a video delivered by the National Winning Body (BPN) team early on Tuesday.

Subianto wad admittedly concerned about alleged frauds in the 2019 Presidential Election, though he believes his supporters must conduct and express themselves within the corridor of applicable law.

He affirmed that the people's rights to publicly express their opinions, congregate, organize, and voice their aspirations must be carried out in line with the pertinent legal provisions.

"This is neither a matter of winning or losing, nor is it about personal or individual issues, but a matter of principle, specifically the people's sovereignty and rights that are being viewed as being impinged upon," he remarked.



Translator: Luqman / Azis Kurmala
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2019