Efforts Made to Secure November 4 Rallies Optimal: Defense Minister

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said security officers have made optimal efforts to secure the November 4 demonstrations on Friday, through there was a small riot after the rally ended.

"Anyway, with such a huge rally, we have to give a thumbs-up to security officers for being able to handle the incident," the minister said, after witnessing a demonstration of tactical vehicles at the Indo Defence Expo arena, Jakarta, on Saturday.

With large numbers of the masses, estimated to reach hundreds of thousands of people, any incident can just take place even if there are no riots, he said.

He cited the Mina stampede where many died as an example. Thus, such a large rally can just create various possibilities.

The rallies around the National Monument (Monas) in Central Java on Friday (Nov 4) were participated in by a number of organizations, yet they ran peacefully in an orderly manner.

However, a small incident took place after the evening prayers, causing numerous injuries and the burning of a number of police vehicles.

"Participants of the rally were registered and we know the number. It was not a problem. However, the provocateurs were not registered. It means that they infiltrated the masses to trigger a riot," the minister said.

He promised to investigate and evaluate the event to track the cause of the unrest.

Meanwhile, House Speaker Ade Komarudin has praised 200 thousand Muslims for holding the peaceful rally in a show of support for the edict issued by the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) against Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok).

The edict was issued following an alleged case of blasphemy involving certain remarks made by the governor.

"They maintained security, public order and cleanliness around the venue of the demonstration. This is a very good example," he said in a written statement released on Friday.

The November 4 rally showed that Islam in Indonesia is friendly, peaceful and seeks Rahmatan lil alamin (blessing for the universe), he stated.

At the rally, the demonstrators urged law enforcement agencies to take legal action against Ahok for the alleged blasphemous statement concerning the Holy Quran.

On Friday evening, Vice President Jusuf Kalla received representatives of the demonstrators at the Vice Presidential Office.

The vice president assured that Ahok will soon face firm legal action in this case. (WDY)