As the clock struck 10:54 a.m., Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama had yet to inform reporters on where he would be campaigning on Friday.
It had been reported that we would take the day off on account of Friday’s demonstration, but he denied the report, saying that he would carry out impromptu visits.
“I will still make impromptu visits,” said Ahok when he was contacted over the phone on Friday.
Nonetheless, he was reluctant to disclose where he would visit.
“I need to ask my adjutants first,” said Ahok, adding that he would check on services in the capital and listen to the concerns of residents.
Thousands attend anti-Ahok rally
Thousands of people demonstrate in Jakarta, demanding the immediate arrest Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama on blasphemy allegations.
Organizers have announced that 35,000 to 50,000 people would join the demonstration, and people from outside Jakarta had flocked to the city since yesterday. The National Police and the military had deployed thousands of personnel to secure the rally.
Important political figures such as President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, Gerindra Party chairman Prabowo Subianto and former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) have all commented on the demonstration.
Indonesia’s two largest Islamic organisations Nahdatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah had urged followers to avoid the rally. President Jokowi met with Muslim leaders on Tuesday to ease tensions.
Many schools and businesses are closed today, as Jakartans are wary despite a statement from Jakarta’s acting governor Sumarsono and the President that business should go as usual.
