Jakarta – Hundreds of people held a Defend Palestine action in front of the United States Embassy in Central Jakarta on Sunday April 20. The protesters arrived using private vehicles and public transportation such as trains, Transjakarta buses and others.
The police provided a special location for the demonstrators who wanted to convey their aspirations in the Gambir area some 50 meters from the US Embassy, which was guarded by a number of police personnel.
Before the action began, the hundreds of protesters carrying Palestinian flags, scarves and accessories solemnly sang the Indonesian national anthem.
Then the participants, who were dominated by young people, sang the patriotic song Bangun Pemudi Pemuda (Arise O Youth) in unison.
In addition to Palestinian flags, the protesters also brought a number of banners reading "I support Palestine because I am Human", "Stop Genocide", "Stop Killing Babies", "Relocation is not the Solution", "Gaza is Not Just News" and "Unblock Gaza Now".
Dozens of police officers were on guard to ensure that the demonstration to voice support for Palestine went properly and smoothly.
One of the speakers at the action, Ilham, said that today is the 561st day of Israeli aggression against Palestine and so far 51 thousand people have died.
Aside from killing more than 50 thousand people, some 116 thousand people have been injured fighting for the independence of Palestine which is getting closer. "Everyone understands these are acts of genocide", he said.
He also said that today it is not just Muslims who are struggling and holding protests but people of other religions are also fighting for Palestine.
"We are gathered here to defend Palestine and condemn the actions of Israel and the United States", he said. (fra/antara/fra)
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Massa Aksi Bela Palestina Geruduk Kedubes AS".]
