Indonesia warns against further demonstrations
Senior Indonesian officials have issued warnings to those planning to stage more demonstrations on November 25 and December 2.
 |
Indonesian Police Chief General Tito Karnavian said holding more demonstrations over the blasphemy case against Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama is unreasonable as it would affect people's interests.
Karnavian said the plan to stage a prayer on public roads on November 25 would both cost the public and breach the existing law. He also declared that activities on December 2 will be banned.
Meanwhile, Indonesian military commander General Gatot Nurmantyo said should the demonstrators' activities lead to the act of treason, they would face stern measures from the army and police.
According to Gatot, the government is now facing various forms of attempts to destabilise the nation. He called on people from all walks of life to preserve brotherhood and togetherness in dealing with such attempts.
Earlier, on November 4, around 50,000 people took to the streets to protest Governor Purnama, who they said, had insulted the Koran. He is the first ethnic Chinese and Christian governor of the Indonesian capital city where a majority of Muslims are living.
President Joko Widodo later was forced to cancel his visit to Australia due to violent acts following the demonstration.
