INDONESIA: Thousands protest against construction plans at East Jerusalem's religious sites

Record ID: 397108

  • Title: INDONESIA: Thousands protest against construction plans at East Jerusalem's religious sites
  • Date: 21st March 2010
  • Summary: JAKARTA, INDONESIA (MARCH 20, 2010) (REUTERS) WIDE OF GATHERING PROTESTERS GATHER PROTESTERS WITH PALESTINIAN TERRITORY FLAGS BIG POSTER OF PALESTINIAN CRYING LEADER ADDRESSING PEOPLE PROTESTERS BRING FLAGS PROTESTERS LISTENING POSTER READS 'FREE PALESTINE' (SOUNDBITE) (Bahasa Indonesia) SPOKESMAN OF PROSPEROUS JUSTICE PARTY, MABRURI SAYING "We just want to remi
  • Embargoed: 5th April 2010 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Indonesia
  • Country: Indonesia
  • Topics: Domestic Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVAB3SU97RACDJVUOPTGKUH1EDSJ
  • Story Text: Thousands of Indonesian Muslims gathered in Jakarta's main park and rallied in the city's main streets on Saturday (March 20), protesting against Israel's construction plans at disputed holy sites in East Jerusalem.
    There has been rising anger in the Arab and Islamic countries over Israel's decision to rebuild an 18th century synagogue in Jerusalem's Old City.
    There has also been anger over Israel's plans to build new settlements in East Jerusalem and to include holy sites in the occupied territories in an Israeli national heritage plan.
    Members of Indonesia's Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), chanted "Allahu Akbar" (God is greatest), as they carried banners, Palestinian territory flags with pictures of children victims, and posters saying "Save Aqsa".
    "We just want to remind people in Indonesia and in the world that the muslim Holy site is under threat, lets save it," said Mabruri, spokesman of PKS.
    The Indonesian protest, which included many women in white Muslim dress and headscarves accompanied by their children, was peaceful, but hundreds of police were standing by to maintain order.
    The PKS is part of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's majority coalition in parliament and is represented in his cabinet. The party is known for being able to mobilise large numbers of peaceful protesters on short notice.
    Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim nation and has no diplomatic relationship with Israel. Many in the country support the Palestinian cause or are opposed to U.S. policies in the Middle East.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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