Salman Mardira, Jakarta – Thousands of Muslims protested in front of the United States (US) Embassy in Central Jakarta on Sunday morning April 5. The action followed the death of three Indonesian Military (TNI) soldiers in an Israeli attack while carrying out a UN peacekeeping mission in South Lebanon.
The state news agency Antara reported that the protest, which was initiated by the Islamic Mass Organisation Council (MOI), filled Jalan Merdeka Selatan westward at 8.30 am local time. The crowd even extended to the nearby National Monument (Monas) gates near Gambir train station. Some protesters were seen carrying babies and small children.
The action, titled "Millions of Prayers for the Martyrs", was attended by participants wearing white robes, many of whom wore Indonesian and Palestinian attire.
On the opposite side of the US Embassy, right next to a concrete barricade, stood a two-meter-high stage for speeches. Images of the three TNI soldiers who died in action were displayed on the background of the stage.
The three soldiers were Infantry Major (posthumously) Zulmi Aditya Iskandar, Sergeant (posthumously) M Nur Ichwan and Corporal (posthumously) Farizal Rhomadhon. They were part of the Indonesian peacekeeping force under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
In addition to praying for the three soldiers, the action also raised several issues, including Palestinian independence. During the speeches and songs, participants also flew Palestinian flags.
As of 8.45 am protesters continued to arrive. Some took the time to find food and then rejoined the other protesters.
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Ribuan Warga Demo Kedubes AS Seusai 3 Prajurit TNI Gugur di Lebanon".]
