Jakarta – A 212 Holy Warriors Action (Aksi Mujahid 212) to Save the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia on Saturday in Jakarta has demanded that President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo resign from the presidency and criticised government policies which adversely affect society and the Islamic community.
Despite this, neither the speakers nor the protesters clarified what policies they were protesting against.
Addressing the crowd from atop a vehicle, one of the speakers asked the protesters if Widodo has brought prosperity to the people during his term in office. The crowed spontaneously replied as one, no.
“Have our lives become more difficult or better during Jokowi’s presidency”, asked the speaker. “More difficult”, replied the crowd.
The speaker continued saying that Widodo has criminalised many members of the public and the Islamic community over the last five years.
They also cited members of the House of Representatives (DPR) which have not acted correctly by ratifying several draft laws (RUU) which are unclear and fail to side with Indonesian society.
“Are you ready to fight? We will fight all RUUs which are unclear”, said the speaker.
Speaking from atop of the command vehicle, another speaker said that they reject the Draft Criminal Code (RKUHP) which is currently being deliberated by the DPR.
“How could it be that if we want to have intercourse with our wives and we use a little force we’ll get prosecuted. Should we fight? Are you ready to defend [our rights]?”, the speaker was quoted as saying. “Ready”, replied the crowd.
Looking at the country’s problems, the speaker then asked the crowd if Widodo should resign from the presidency. “Pak [Mr] Jokowi we ask will you continue or resign”, said the speaker. “Resign”, shouted the crowd.
According to the speaker, it is not just the hope of the Mujahid 212 that Widodo resign, but it is also the hope of most Indonesian people. “This is not just [our] a hope, it is the hope of all Indonesian society”, he said.
Following the speech the crowd then sang slogans calling for Widodo to resign. “Resign, resign, there will be one who resigns.... one who will resign in October”, went some of the lyrics, referring to President Widodo’s inauguration on October 20.
The Mujahid 212 Save the NKRI Action on Saturday morning, which began at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in Central Jakarta then moved off to the nearby State Place, involved several hundred people. (rzr/vws)
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was “Aksi Mujahid 212: Tolak RKUHP dan Tuntut Jokowi Mundur”.]
