4/11, 25/11 and 2/12 anti-Ahok demonstrations

[Exile]

It is not. In an nutshell: Ahok was basically saying (during his visit to the Kepulauan Seribu) don't be fooled by some people who use Surat Al Maedah 51, something about not choosing somebody of a different religion to be your leader.

It was blown out of proportion and one or two words were twisted...and here we are today.

In the mean time, Buni Yani (the guy who edited Ahok's video) is probably sitting with a cup of tea in Depok somewhere, smiling & waiting expectantly on what might happen tomorrow.
Oh, and there's a pretition in change.org to bring Buni Yuni to justice https://www.change.org/p/jalankan-proses-hukum-buni-yani-pengedit-transkrip-dan-provokator-p

 

[Daniel50]

Yes most politicians are shameless. They will use whatever they can to discredit/gain advantage. Here in Indonesia religion happens to be part of the mix.

 

[Tupai Hitam]

This is exceptional, they always keep the finger on the pulse and this time, they feel they could be targeted. As FastPitch mentions, the direct cause is a Chinese Christian governor making perceived 'anti Islamic' remarks [sic].

The direct cause is: "Ahok is a good person. So the political elite hates him. They can't get him thrown out for misconduct, so they accuse him of blasphemy and unleash their rent-a-mob that is FPI. And encourage other radical Islamic groups to join the racist pile-on."
Yes, some Indonesians in Glodok and Grogol are taking precautions, some even vacating for a few days. Because racism remains a powerful political weapon.

My friend's household staff say locals are being offered Rp150,000 to join tomorrow's rally, while motorcyclists on Jakarta's outskirts say there is an offer of Rp300,000 to join.

 

[El_Goretto]

If Ahok is sacrificed, I wonder if we will see a counter-demonstration from Jakartans (the real ones). It would be a real travesty if he had to step down in one form or another and definitely grounds for strong protests.

 

[El_Goretto]

I updated the thread title for better clarity.

 

[fastpitch17]

If Ahok is sacrificed, I wonder if we will see a counter-demonstration from Jakartans (the real ones). It would be a real travesty if he had to step down in one form or another and definitely grounds for strong protests.

A lot will depend on where the police stand since it is their hands with the investigation and we all know very well they can twist that however they please. If the Police come out and say that there was no crime then all hell is still going to break loose. They know that. The police will be accused of being all types of bad. Of course, they will be labeled as anti or bad Muslims right away.

 

[Daniel50]

If Ahok is sacrificed, I wonder if we will see a counter-demonstration from Jakartans (the real ones). It would be a real travesty if he had to step down in one form or another and definitely grounds for strong protests.

Lets hope this another bumk in the road to greater transparency, and inclusiveness, in government. Just like the process of Jokowi against Parabowo in the last election. Progress is not a straight line and nothing worthwhile is easily attained.

 

[brian@bekasi]

I think the amount being offered to participate depends on who you are talking too. My wife told me 1 million this morning.

 

[Anglian]

Assuming these figures are true, who would have such funds to bank roll what we believe will be such a large demo,not the FPI surely

 

[Tupai Hitam]

If Ahok is sacrificed, I wonder if we will see a counter-demonstration from Jakartans (the real ones). It would be a real travesty if he had to step down in one form or another and definitely grounds for strong protests.

Jakarta's few "genuine" protests tend to be tiny.* Alas. Like the silent protest for Munir opposite the Istana each Thursday afternoon. March's protest by Blue Bird drivers was a silly move by their company and won them no support. Would the 332,000 (or more?) Teman Ahok have the courage/motivation/organization to take to the streets? Would PDIP, Golkar and other Ahok "defenders" have to coordinate such a protest? Or Slank may have to stage a "Concert for Ahok" to get some people out.

* Even in 1998, the student protests were not spontaneous but were often encouraged by old networks sensing that it was time to nudge Suharto out.

 

[Tupai Hitam]

Assuming these figures are true, who would have such funds to bank roll what we believe will be such a large demo,not the FPI surely

The FPI is just a thugs-for-hire group created and funded and trained by the Indonesian military and political elite. Those close to Prabowo last week said SBY was funding this anti-Ahok event. After all, he wants his son to be governor and then president.

 

[Daniel50]

The terrible Ahok at campaign today, Nov. 03 Perjaten Timur, Pasar Minggu

 

[brian@bekasi]

The latest travel advisory from the Australian Government:
A major protest is planned for central Jakarta on Friday 4 November (related protests may take place in other cities). Reports indicate that extremists may seek to use protests on 4 November to conduct acts of violence. We strongly advise you to avoid all protests and you should consider carefully your need to move about Jakarta more generally. Maintain a high level of vigilance and security awareness. The overall level of advice has not changed. We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Indonesia, including Bali.

 

[mauricio]

Wonder if the police/military have shoot-at-sight order at rioters, it will surely deter any riots or violence. But few days ago I heard that police guarding the rally will not be armed? The coordinator of the demonstration is already saying that any riots that (might or will) happen cannot be "them" http://news.detik.com/berita/333599...-aksi-damai-yang-rusuh-bukan-bagian-dari-kita

 

[William King]

Evasive driving training teaches that once moving you don't stop for any reason so if there was an obstruction in the road I would have gone over it or through it and if someone had tried to stop the car I would have run them straight over.

Did you ?

 

[Pak Tani]

The weather looks good for tomorrow. Accuweather is forecasting thunderstorms from 12 pm on in Jakarta. Hope they're right.

 

[El_Goretto]

Jakarta's few "genuine" protests tend to be tiny.* Alas. Like the silent protest for Munir opposite the Istana each Thursday afternoon. March's protest by Blue Bird drivers was a silly move by their company and won them no support. Would the 332,000 (or more?) Teman Ahok have the courage/motivation/organization to take to the streets? Would PDIP, Golkar and other Ahok "defenders" have to coordinate such a protest? Or Slank may have to stage a "Concert for Ahok" to get some people out.

* Even in 1998, the student protests were not spontaneous but were often encouraged by old networks sensing that it was time to nudge Suharto out.

Speaking of students, where are they? Surely they have a say in this.

 

[fastpitch17]

So, who is going to watch this on the TV and why?

I am going to watch and I will be waiting to see if someone/s start the crazy stuff.

 

[Anglian]

So, who is going to watch this on the TV and why?

I am going to watch and I will be waiting to see if someone/s start the crazy stuff.

A TV camera does tend to encourage nutters to kick off a riot, so we will have to wait and see what developes

 

[jstar]

The TV will be on while I'm busy fixing stuff yes. More like radio. When is election day again? 15 February? So perhaps all a bit too early if he gets off the hook.