Indonesia: Demonstration outside French Embassy in Jakarta November 4 /update 1

Event

Demonstrators gathered outside the French embassy in Jakarta on Wednesday, November 4. The demonstration was organized by the Alliance of Indonesian Muslim Organizations in protest against French President Emmanuel Macron's recent support for the displaying of a caricature of Prophet Muhammad and other religious freedoms of expression. Traffic was diverted in the area during the protest, but there were no reports of violence or arrests.

Further protests over the issue are likely in Jakarta and across Indonesia in the near term, and any demonstrations are expected to be accompanied by a heightened security presence and localized disruptions to transport.

Context

Tensions over the response of the French government to recent Islamist attacks and terrorism in the country have been increasing since the murder of teacher Samuel Paty by an alleged Islamist extremist in the northern Paris suburb of Conflans-Sainte-Honorine on October 16. The attack prompted an outpouring of support in France and a strong response from the government which saw dozens arrested and several organizations and mosques closed in a widespread crackdown on alleged Islamic extremism. However, comments from President Emmanuel Macron regarding religious rights and freedom of expression and the display of controversial cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad at solidarity rallies following the attack have since prompted accusations of Islamophobia from several Muslim political and religious leaders around the world.

Dozens of protests over the crackdown and French government policies have since been held outside French embassies and consulates in multiple countries over the recent weeks, including Turkey, Bangladesh, Iran, Mali, Mauritania, Libya, Pakistan, and Indonesia, some of which have drawn thousands of participants. There have also been widespread calls for a boycott of French goods, particularly foodstuffs, in Muslim-majority countries, with the protest being supported by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and several other Muslim leaders.

Advice

Those in Jakarta are advised to monitor the situation, avoid large gatherings as a precaution, and heed any directives issued by local authorities.