The demonstration was initiated by the Front Pembela Islam (FPI-Islam Defenders' Front), GNPF Ulama, and the 212 Alumni Brotherhood (PA 212).
The protesters strongly condemned the recent violence against Muslims in India that resulted in the deaths of 42 people and caused injuries to some 350 others. The communal mob by Indian Hindus against Muslims was triggered by the passage of the discriminatory Citizenship Amendment Act in December 2019 by the Modi administration.
The Indonesian protesters brandished posters that read "Stop Genocide of Muslims in India", "Save Muslims in India", "Modi is Terrorist", and "The Government, don't remain silent. Cut relations with India", among other things.
The rally's coordinators demanded a meeting with a representative of the Indian Embassy to echo their protests.
The Jakarta Police tightly guarded the Indian embassy that was protected with barbed wire.
On March 2, members of Muslim organizations in Medan, North Sumatra Province, had held a rally in front of the Indian Consulate General to echo their solidarity towards Indian Muslims and condemn the bloody violence.
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“We demand that the Indonesian government adopt a stern stance over the conflict in India since our brothers and sisters of the same faith are being murdered,” Razali Taat, the rally’s coordinator, stated.
In addition, the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) was unequivocal in denouncing the violence on Muslims in India.
"We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the barbaric act of violence that reflects real extremism and gross violation of human rights," the council noted in a press statement signed by its chairman, Prof. Dr Din Syamsudin, on March 2.
The council urged the Indian government to take stern measures against those involved in the attack and protect Indian Muslims from cruelty in any form.
It also called upon the Indian government and parliament to cancel the law that discriminates against Muslims in India.
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Translator: Laily Rahmawaty, Fardah
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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