The rally was co-organized by Muhammadiyah, Indonesia's second-largest Muslim organization after the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Muhammadiyah Students Association (IMM), Muhammadiyah's youth organization KOKAM, and Islamic Defenders Front (FPI).
"We demand that the Court of Justice of the European Union issue a warning and strict sanction against President Macron," Head of the IMM-Surabaya Chapter Devi Kurniawan, who led the rally, noted in his speech in front of the consulate office building.
The protesters also called for boycotting French products in Indonesia and demanded that Macron apologize for hurting the sentiments of Muslims within and outside France over his defense of the right to reprint and depict the cartoons of Prophet Muhammad.
A similar rally was also staged by Muslims from the FPI and 212 Alumni Brotherhood (PA 212) in Jakarta, Indonesia's capital city.
Thronging the street, which is part of Jakarta's central business district area, the protestors demanded that Indonesia sever diplomatic ties with France while calling to expel French Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor Leste, Olivier Chambard, from the country.
The protestors also vociferously labelled President Macron as a terrorist in the world while simultaneously praising Abdullakh Anzorov, 18, whom they called a real hero since his actions were aimed at defending the honor of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Anzorov was the man, who beheaded Samuel Paty on Oct 16, 2020, after this history and geography teacher showed cartoons mocking Prophet Muhammad during a class on Oct 6, 2020.
Anzorov, who felt offended by Paty showing cartoons of Prophet Muhammad to students, was later shot dead by the French police.
During the peaceful rally, several ulemas were invited to speak to protesters from the stage of an FPI commanding truck.
They repeatedly led the demonstrators to recite "Shalatullah salamullah”, “Ala Thaha Rasulillah Shalatullah salamullah”, “Ala Yasin Habibillah” to echo their sincere adoration for Prophet Muhammad.
Led by the speakers, the demonstrators, who were predominantly dressed in Muslim attire, also launched a campaign to boycott French products in Indonesia.
Before commencing their anti-France rally, the Muslim protesters performed their zuhr (mid-day) prayer on Thamrin Street near Sarinah Mall, while the Jakarta city police secured the French embassy.
Macron's remarks following the beheading of Paty have sparked controversy and fueled a backlash from Muslims worldwide over the past few days.
The governments of Muslim-majority nations, including Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia, have condemned Macron's "anti-Islam" remarks and "Islamophobic" behavior.
The Indonesian government had also denounced French President Macron's remarks on Islam and support for portrayal and publication of cartoons on Prophet Muhammad.
To register its protest, the Indonesian Foreign Ministry summoned French Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor Leste, Olivier Chambard, on October 27, 2020, and sought an explanation for Macron's controversial statements.
Prior to the Paty case, French satirical weekly magazine Charlie Hebdo had frequently published cartoons on Prophet Muhammad that had triggered public ire in several Muslim-populated nations.
Two people had attacked the offices of the magazine on January 7, 2015, after Charlie Hebdo published cartoons on Prophet Muhammad while asserting that their publication was in accordance with the freedom of expression. At least 12 people were killed, while 11 others were injured in the attack.
Related news: Indonesian Muslims defend Prophet Muhammad's honor and dignity
Related news: President Jokowi condemns Macron's critique of Islam
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Abdul H, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2020
