Indonesian police today announced a ban on rallies and Friday prayers on the streets as planned for Dec 2 by certain quarters.

Police chief Tito Karnavian was quoted as saying by online media that although the constitution gave the people the right to gather and demonstrate, it was not an absolute right.

Certain quarters have been talking about organising another demonstration, dubbed ‘Sejadah Jumaat’ (literally, Friday Prayer Mat) to protest against Jakarta governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, better known as Ahok, on Dec 2.

Muslims had protested on Nov 4, claiming they had been offended by Ahok who had allegedly told Muslims at a meeting with voters in the Thousand Islands regency two months ago not to be fooled by those who said Muslims were prohibited from choosing non-Muslims as their leaders.

Tito, in reference to the demonstrations, said there were restrictions on people voicing their opinions in public, one of which was doing so by denying the rights of others by blocking roads and disturbing the peace.

“The demonstrations prevent pregnant women from being rushed to hospital to deliver their babies, public transportation is crippled and traffic congestion occurs in Jakarta... we will prohibit (demonstrations); if they are adamant, we will disperse them,” he said.

He also said that investigations revealed that the upcoming demonstration had the hidden agenda of toppling the government.

Tito said the police had allowed the peaceful demonstration organised by the Gerakan Nasional Pengawal Fatwa (GNPF) of the Indonesian Ulama Council held at mosques.

Certain quarters were talking of organising a demonstration and Friday prayers along Jalan Thamrin and Jalan Sudirman in the city to demand the arrest of Ahok.

The Jakarta police had confirmed recently that Ahok would be charged in court soon over blasphemy allegations.

Non-Muslim incumbent Ahok is opposed by Anies Baswedan and Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono in the election for the post of Jakarta governor set for February next year.

Ahok had said that he was prepared to face any court charge and claimed that he had been defamed because it was never his intention to insult Islam or the Quran.

- Bernama