Thousands throng Jakarta to mark unity, diversity

Crowds in the tens of thousands thronged the streets of downtown Jakarta again yesterday, but this time, it was to celebrate Indonesia's unity and diversity.

The Kita Indonesia, or We Are Indonesia, event came just two days after half a million Muslims rallied in the grounds of the National Monument (Monas), to demand the arrest of Jakarta governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama over insulting Islam.

It also follows news that 11 anti-government activists were arrested over a failed coup to oust President Joko Widodo, as well as for inciting hate speech.

Political observers say the huge turn-out at the weekly car-free-day yesterday, was a strong response to the three street protests against Mr Basuki, better known as Ahok.

It may also be the catalyst he needs to boost his flagging electability, caused primarily by the police investigation against him in recent weeks, for alleged blasphemy.

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Two major political parties, Golkar and NasDem, denied that they had organised the Kita Indonesia event to "counter" the Muslim protests, saying it was held to promote unity and tolerance in the country instead.

"We just want to remind the people that we are a pluralistic nation and encourage the people and political figures not to spread hatred," The Jakarta Post quoted NasDem executive and party spokesman Taufik Basari as saying.

Yesterday's gathering took place from 8am to 11am on two main roads, Jalan Jenderal Sudirman and Jalan M. H. Thamrin.

Several thousand people, including those from outside Jakarta, packed the 5km stretch of road - the city's main thoroughfare, but closed to traffic every Sunday for residents to enjoy a car-free-day.

Many were wearing the colours of Golkar and NasDem, and chanting pro-Ahok slogans, singing national folk songs and taking group photos. There were also cultural performances by groups from Bali, North Sumatra, East Kalimantan as well as East Java.

The event went on peacefully before the crowds dispersed as the roads were re-opened to traffic when the car-free period ended.

Mr Basuki is running for re-election, but now also faces court charges over blasphemy.

The Chinese-Christian is a close ally of President Joko, and his re-election bid is backed by the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), Golkar, NasDem and Hanura parties.

The anti-Ahok protest on Friday was the third in as many months organised by hardline Muslim groups.

Analysts have said that the protests have turned next February's gubernatorial election into a test of racial and religious tolerance in the Muslim-majority country.

Mr Joko had hinted after the second protest on Nov 4 that "political actors" were taking advantage of the street marches against Mr Basuki to destabilise the country.

Details of the dissident plot were uncovered after police said on Saturday that they arrested 11 people over a conspiracy to topple the government during Friday's protest.

Investigations into the attempted coup are still ongoing, but observers and government insiders say the latest developments indicate that Mr Joko has shown that he remains in control of the country.

They point to several signs to back their analysis, including the unexpected arrest of dissidents, which included Ms Rachmawati Sukarnoputri, a daughter of Indonesia's founding president Sukarno, just hours before the rally at Monas.

Ms Rachmawati also happens to be the younger sister of former president Megawati, the matron of PDI-P - the party behind Mr Joko's bid for the presidency in 2014.

Another is the surprise decision by Mr Joko to join the protesters on Friday for prayers at Monas, against the advice of most of his Cabinet and security officials.

Said a senior politician, who asked not to be named: "That move sent a strong signal, not just to the Muslim protesters, but also to those secretly plotting against him, reminding them to stop trying to destabilise the country and that he still holds the power."

This article was first published on Dec 05, 2016.
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