FPI to hold more rallies for Maluku

JAKARTA (JP): Members of the Defenders of Islam Front (FPI) plan to stage a series of rallies to show their solidarity to Muslims in the riot-torn province of Maluku on Thursday and Friday, a police officer said on Wednesday.

"They will stage a rally on Thursday in front of Merdeka Selatan Palace on Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan in Central Jakarta," Gambir Police chief Maj. Slamet Rijadi said.

"Then they will stage a similar rally on Friday in front of State Palace on Jl. Medan Merdeka Utara to express the same grievance," he added.

"They have informed us their plans to stage those rallies," he added, while saying the rallies would start at about 9 a.m.

He suggested motorists take alternative routes to avoid possible traffic congestion in the area.

Irfan, a member of FPI, confirmed the plan last night.

FPI earlier staged a similar rally on Wednesday at the House of Representatives (DPR). (05)