Indonesian Police Prepare for Terror Threat Ahead of Massive Protest

Jakarta, 04 Safar 1438/04 November 2016 (MINA) – Indonesian police have prepared for the possibility of terrorist attacks during a massive protest planned by Muslim groups against humiliation of Islamic teaching in Jakarta on Friday, police said on Thursday.

Over 18,000 policemen and soldiers would be deployed to secure the demonstration, said Senior Commissioner Awi Setiyono, spokesman of Jakarta police.

“The police chief has ordered the (anti-terror squad of) Densus 88 to monitor it,” Xinhua quoted Setiyono as saying at the Jakarta police headquarters.

Indonesia’s Islamic Defender Front (FPI) has claimed over 200,000 people will take to the street on Friday and march outside the State Palace and city hall.

A report indicated that Islamic State-inspired terrorist cells may take advantage of the rally.

Recently, Indonesia has been targeted by IS militants, who aim to convey their terror message to the world. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)