Jakarta – After being held in Jakarta, Defend Palestine actions have also taken place in Bekasi, West Java. Although being held on Car Free Day (CFD), the action proceeded in an orderly fashion with tens of thousands filling Jalan Ahmad Yani in Bekasi city on Sunday November 12.
The protest, titled "Bekasi Together with Palestine", began at 6 am and was dominated by demonstrators wearing white clothing.
Posters containing calls for support for Palestine were brought by a number of protesters which contained messages such as "Expel Israel from the Land of Palestine" and "Boycott Israeli and its Supporters Products".
A command vehicle with the words "12.11 Bekasi Together with Palestine Action" could also be seen among the crowd.
Graphic designer Richa Salsabila Danuputri, who is usually known as Richa, also took part in the action along with three family members. "The situation is very lively but the event has been conducive", Richa told CNN Indonesia.
Although Richa admitted she did not stay until the end of the protest even though the poster for action said it would continue until 10 am.
Rica said she came from North Tambun in Bekasi to take part because it is a humanitarian action, not just a religious one.
"Because I am a being created by Allah, of course as a human being I feel called on to attend this humanitarian action. Not just because of Islam but this is for humanity", she said.
Not only has she taken to the streets, but has also made a donation through the organising committee and does not buy products that support Israel.
Defend Palestine action in Tangerang
As many as 15,000 religious pupils (santri) at the Electric Park in Tangerang city also held joint prayers for the Palestinian people who are still colonised.
Tangerang Mayor Arief R Wismansyah said that the Tangerang municipal government along with the National Zakat Board (Baznas) are accepting donations for the Palestinian people and have already collected 700 million rupiah.
Tangerang city Islamic Boarding School Friendship Forum (FSPP) Chairperson Sehabuddin added that almost all of the Islamic boarding schools in Tangerang have attended to take part in the Kirab Santri (religious festival) and the Defend Palestine action. (als/DAL)
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Puluhan Ribu Warga Aksi Bela Palestina di Bekasi hingga Tangerang".]
