06 Apr 2018 | 11:22 AM UTC
Indonesia: Islamist rally in Jakarta April 6
Islamist organizations rally in Jakarta to denounce blasphemous poem; avoid all protests
Event
Various Islamist organizations - including the 212 Brotherhood and the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) - held a rally in the capital Jakarta on Friday, April 6. The protest was held to denounce a poem written by Sukmawati Soekarnoputri, sister of former President Megawati Sukarnoputri, which they considered blasphemous. The rally began outside the National Police's criminal investigation department (Bareskrim) at Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat at 13:00 (local time).
Context
Sukmawati, the daughter of Indonesia's first president, has publically apologized for the poem, asserting that she did not intend to insult Islam. The April 6 protests and the criticism of Sukmawati is part of a complex web of revenge and political alliances, increasing in intensity ahead of general elections slated for 2019.
Advice
As a precautionary measure, individuals present in Jakarta are advised against discussing this sensitive issue in public and to avoid all rallies, typically marked with a large security presence.
