BREAKING: Jokowi Praises Prayer Attendees for Peaceful Demonstration
Jakarta. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo praised attendees of Friday's (02/12) mass prayer at the National Monument complex, or Monas, for a peaceful demonstration.
“Thank you for the prayers for the safety of our nation. Allahuakbar [God is great]!” Jokowi said at the event.
The president braced the rain to gather with thousands of people at Monas, along with Vice President Jusuf Kalla, Chief Security Minister Wiranto, Religious Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, Military chief Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo, National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian and other ministers.
“I would like to give the highest appreciation for the congregation’s discipline in ensuring the smooth procession … Congratulations, thank you and have a safe trip home,” Jokowi said during his address.
Shortly after his speech, Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) leader Rizieq Shihab addressed the crowd, calling for the arrest of Basuki.
Friday's protest follows a demonstration which turned violent on Nov. 4, demanding the arrest of Basuki for alleged blasphemy.
The protesters have so far followed a peaceful rally that ended with a mass Friday prayer before dispersing in the afternoon.
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