Indonesian President Joko Widodo today urged rally organisers protesting against Ahok not to hold another demonstration, which is supposed to take place on Nov 25.
More fondly known as Jokowi, the president said it was not necessary to stage any more demonstrations to demand for Ahok's arrest as the police had started investigations into alleged blasphemy by the incumbent Jakarta govenor.
"We hope there will be no more demonstrations," he was quoting as saying by an online media portal after his visit to the Special Mobile Brigade headquarters here today.
However, he said the relevant authorities and security forces have been instructed to be prepared for any eventuality as it was rumoured that hundreds of Muslims would return to gather for a follow up rally next Friday.
Jokowi had earlier visited the Army and Police headquarters and held meetings with the two largest Muslim organisations in the republic, namely Muhammadiyah and Nahdatul Ulama, to discuss on issues related to the Nov 4 demonstration.
Ahok whose real name is Basuki Tjahaja Purnama is alleged to have urged Muslims not to be deceived by his opponents who used the Al Maidah verse in the Quran to discourage them from voting non-Muslims as their leader, during his campaign in Pulau Seribu last September.
The statement angered Muslims across Indonesia who reacted by holding demonstrations in their respective territories and on Nov 4 hundreds of thousands of Muslims gathered in a protest rally demanding that Ahok be charged for insulting Islam.
The rally, however, ended in chaos after demonstrators refused to disperse until late in the evening and tried to approach the presidential palace.
Security forces were forced to fire water cannon and tear gas to disperse the crowd and this led to a few protestors fighting back, throwing various objects and burning two security trucks.
Ahok is the only non-Muslim candidate and he is being challenged by two others, Anies Baswedan and Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono for the Jakarta govenorship in elections scheduled to be held in February next year.
However, the day after the demonstration, Ahok claimed he was a victim of slander as the widely circulated video recording of his speech had been edited giving rise to the controversy.
The Criminal Investigation Division of the Republic of Indonesia had on Monday questioned Ahok along with several other individuals including the person who uploaded Ahok's video footage, Buni Yani, to assist in investigations. -- BERNAMA
Bernama
Fri Nov 11 2016
Aerial view of member of hardline Muslim groups attends a protest against Jakarta's incumbent governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama in Jakarta, Indonesia, Nov 4, 2016. - REUTERS
What to watch for ahead of US presidential inauguration
Here's a timeline of events between now and inauguration day.
The battle to reduce road deaths
In Malaysia, over half a million road accidents have been recorded so far this year.
Pro-Palestinian NGOs seek court order to stop Dutch arms exports to Israel
The Dutch state, as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, has a duty to take all reasonable measures at its disposal to prevent genocide.
How quickly can Trump's Musk-led efficiency panel slash US regulations?
Moves by Trump and his appointees to eliminate existing rules will be met with legal challenges, as many progressive groups and Democratic officials have made clear.
2TM: Consultations on PTPTN loans, admission to IPTA at MOHE booth
Consultations on PTPTN loans and admission to IPTA are among services provided at the Higher Education Ministry booth.
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.