(Eagle News) — Military and police chiefs are warning hard-line Muslim groups against treason ahead of planned rallies this week and next.
The groups led a violent protest in the capital earlier this month, and have vowed to rally against Jakarta’s non-Muslim governor, Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama, again.
Many Muslims have been protesting for weeks against Purnama and President Joko Widodo, who is seen as one of Purnama’s major supporters.
Indonesia’s Police Chief, Tito Karnavian, has said he has information that the protesters could try to occupy the parliament building.
Purnama is standing for re-election in February.
He’ll compete with two Muslims for the job —- a powerful position that was a stepping stone for Joko Widodo to the presidency in 2014.
Critics said the real aim of the protesters was to ensure that Mr. Purnama will not win in the upcoming local election, and to bring down the government led by President Joko Widodo.