Indonesians stage massive rally against US recognition

Indonesian Muslims have taken to the streets in the country’s capital Jakarata in a millions-strong rally, denouncing US President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize al-Quds ('Jerusalem') as Israel’s capital.

Close to two million protesters marched from the main mosque in the Indonesian capital to a square in front of the US Embassy on Sunday, calling on Washington to retract the controversial decision.

The rally was organized by the Indonesia Ulema Council, the country’s top Muslim clerical body, and supported by the government as well as various Muslim groups and Islamic organizations.

Dressed mostly in white, the protesters chanted “God is greatest,” waved Palestinian flags, and held up banners that read, “Peace, love and free Palestine.”

An Indonesian police spokesman said 20,000 police and members of the military had been deployed in the area to ensure security. Police also held back the protesters behind coils of barbed wire outside the US Embassy in Jakarta.

“We are here with all of our Indonesian Muslim brothers. We convey our aspiration to our brothers in Palestine. I hope that they will have their freedom and Allah give them power and patience so that they can get their independence just like ours,” a protester said.

Indonesia’s religious affairs minister and Jakarta’s governor were also among those at the protest site.