The police have arrested several people, among them a sister of former president Megawati Soekarnoputri as well as popular artiste Ahmad Dhani, for allegedly inciting political unrest over a protest planned in Jakarta today.

Megawati’s younger sister Rachmawati Soekarnoputri was arrested at her residence in Jakarta early today, according to local online media reports quoting her lawyer Aldwin Rahardian.

Ahmad Dhani was arrested as he was preparing to head for the protest, dubbed ‘Aksi Damai 2 Dis’ (Dec 2 Peace Rally), that had already lured more than 300,000 people to the streets, the media report said.

Several social activists have also been picked up, among them Ratna Sarumpaet and Kivlan Zen, and were being held at a mobile police command to assist investigation into attempting to cause political unrest, they added.

The police have yet to release any statement on the reported arrests.

Over 300,000 Muslims had gathered in the heart of the city early today to join the rally to urge the authorities to arrest Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, known by his nickname Ahok, for allegedly having insulted Islam.

The protesters, among them women and youths, began gathering as early as 5am after the dawn prayers at the Istiqlal Mosque and marched to the National Monument grounds to listen to talks and say prayers prior to the Friday prayers.

The protest is a follow-up to the Nov 4 demonstration against Ahok, who had allegedly insulted Islam while campaigning in Seribu Island two months ago.

Ahok is the only non-Muslim among three candidates contesting the post of Jakarta governor in elections scheduled for February next year. The others are Anies Baswedan and Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono.

Ahok’s remarks had angered Muslims in Indonesia and the police will have him prosecuted for having allegedly insulted Islam, an offence that can have him imprisoned for up to six years upon conviction.

Indonesia’s police chief Tito Karnavian advised Muslims to remain calm, saying the police were completing their investigation and would have Ahok prosecuted.

- Bernama