Thousands rally against Ahok

JAKARTA. Thousands of demonstrators from People’s Movement of Jakarta staged a rally on Monday to oppose Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama’s governorship of Jakarta in front of the Jakarta Legislative Council building.

There was no sign of temporary closure of Jl. Kebon Sirih in Central Jakarta, the site of the rally, leaving many vehicles trapped there, causing traffic jams, according to kompas.com.

The demonstrators arrived on foot from the direction of Jl. Thamrin at about 10:25 a.m. The group, who mostly wore white, did not bring a great deal with them, with only a few holding banners reading "Taruna Muslim [Muslim Youth]" and "Gerakan Masyarakat Jakarta [People’s Movement of Jakarta]".

"I don't care, the most important is that Ahok has to step down!" said one of the speakers from his perch on a truck, a cry echoed by the massed rally. (hhr)