"It is Mr. President himself who has decided (to do that) after considering views from many sides," Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo joined thousands of Muslims in performing Friday prayers at the National Monument (Monas) Square to appreciate the participants of the mass prayer rally dubbed "Defend Islam."

President Joko Widodo and Vice President Jusuf Kalla braced themselves for rain as they headed towards the Monas Square and tent to take part in the prayers.

"It is Mr. President himself who has decided (to do that) after considering views from many sides," Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin said.

The president took the decision shortly before adzan (call) for Friday prayers, the minister said.

Lukman said the president appreciated the participants of the event, who sincerely prayed for the tranquility and unity of the nation.

He hoped that people who took part in the mass prayers would not conduct another rally while law enforcement agencies were handling the Quranic blasphemy case involving non-active Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama.

"So, we only wait for how the court will decide the case," he said.

The president urged people who participated in the mass prayers to return to their home towns peacefully after the event.

Indonesian Police Chief General Tito Karnavian and a number of high ranking government officials and influential ulemas also joined the mass prayers.

Among the ulemas who attended the peaceful rally, held by various Muslim-based organizations to demand justice in the Quranic blasphemy case involving non-active Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, was Rizieq Shihab, the head of the Islamic Defender Front (FPI).

Shihab arrived in Monas Square along with the chief of Indonesian Police Force Public Relations Boy Rafli Amar.

Previously, the representatives of the Movement of Indonesian Council Edict Supporters (GNPF MUI) and the National Police had agreed that the event, dubbed the "Defend Islam" Rally, will be organized on December 2 at the National Monument area, Central Jakarta.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016