Indonesians stage peaceful rally in Jakarta in support of Palestine

Tens of thousands of people were at the National Monument on Sunday to express solidarity with the Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the largest public gathering in Indonesia since the Israel-Hamas war broke out.

- Arlina Arshad

Dressed in white robes and wearing black-and-white Palestinian scarves, they waved Palestine flags and chanted "God is great" and "Free Palestine" as they demanded Israeli forces end their deadly siege of Gaza.

As footage of bombings in Gaza flashed across a screen, Muslim figures took turns to deliver speeches on a stage at the National Monument (Monas) square, calling for, among other things, a boycott of Israeli goods and an investigation of Israeli hostilities in Gaza at the international court.

"Israeli oppressors, fight, fight, fight" and "Indonesia defends Palestine", the protesters shouted.

The peaceful rally was led by the Indonesian Ulema Council, the country's highest Islamic authority. It was supported by the government, as well as Muslim groups and those of other faiths, including Buddhism and Christianity.

Several ministers and politicians, including Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, former Jakarta governor and presidential candidate Anies Baswedan and House of Representatives chair Puan Maharani, were present.

Despite the heavy downpour on Saturday night, many protesters arrived from various cities in Java via buses and motorcycles.