Jakarta – A number of people held a demonstration in front of the United States Embassy in Central Jakarta today where they called for Palestinian independence and opposed the Israeli genocide in Gaza.
As reported by the state news agency Antara on Tuesday October 7, officials closed of Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan in front of the US Embassy when a number of different elements of society expressed their aspirations on Palestinian independence.
At around 3 pm officials diverted vehicles heading towards Gambir Station because the entire road was filled with crowds of people.
Earlier, officers were able to open one lane on Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan but the road was eventually closed due to the large crowd in front of the US Embassy.
The crowd had already filled the road and they continue to arrive together to call for Palestinian freedom. Protesting workers reportedly also joined in and voiced their aspirations.
Call for Palestinian independence
Calling for Palestinian independence, the protesters invited all citizens to never stop articulating the rights of the Palestinian people. "Don't get tired of calling for Palestinian freedom", said one of the speakers, Felix Siauw or Ustaz (Islamic cleric) Felix.
According to Saw, the demonstration was held in front of the US Embassy because the country fully supports Israel. He stated that the US is also a country that continues to use its veto right to undermine the sovereignty of the Palestinian people.
"Why have we called for the action here? Because America is the supporter of Israel, in fact every year they send 300 trillion rupiah to Israel to be used to kill little children", he said.
As of 3.10 pm the action was still ongoing with speakers taking turns articulating the aspirations of the protesters.
1.898 personnel deployed
Central Jakarta Metro Police Chief Senior Commissioner Susatyo Purnomo Condro said that 1,898 joint personnel were deployed to guard the demonstration in front of the US Embassy.
"We want to ensure that activities take place safely, orderly and do not interfere with other public activities", said Condro.
According to Condro, there were a number of social elements who comprise the Indonesian Global Peace Convoy and several other groups who asked for a permit to hold a demonstration.
"This security is carried out to ensure the smooth delivery of public aspirations", said Condro.
He said that the traffic diversion was situational but residents should to avoid the Jalan Medan Merdeka area during the demonstration and are advised to use alternative routes.
"We ask for the public's understanding. Safety and comfort are our priorities", said Condro. (jbr/imk)
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Ada Aksi Bela Palestina Depan Kedubes AS, Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan Ditutup".]
