Photo: Coconuts Media
They weren’t present at Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama somewhat impromptu inauguration last week, but the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), Jakarta’s most annoyingly persistent hardline group, was back at it again this morning, continuing their near-weekly protests proclaiming their rejection of the Christian politician of Chinese-descent.
FPI organizers said they would gather thousands of the group’s members, as well as representatives from 90 other “mass organizations,” at the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout to protest the inauguration of our new governor (a bit late that) and the fuel subsidy cut. Once they gather enough protestors, they planned to march to the Parliament (DPR) building and City Hall.
Lots of signs calling for the rejection of Ahok could be seen, as well as a giant doll effigy of our new Governor, complete with a picture of Basuki’s face and his arms crossed.
FPI leader Mishabul Anam said the group was pushing for Ahok to be replaced with their own candidate. “We want to inaugurate our counter governor, Kyai Fahrurozi Ishaq,” he told Detik this morning. Fahrurozi is the head of GMJ (Peoples Movement of Jakarta), another hardline organization closely linked to FPI.
Mishabul said the Deputy Speaker of the House, Fadli Zon, had already approved of their candidate.
“You’ll see, he’ll be sworn in by City Council,” Mishabul told reporters.
Asked about their intentions for today’s protests, Mishabul said, “If there are no provocations, we’ll demonstrate peacefully.”
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