Aceh people urges Jokowi to fight for Uighur Muslim

JAKARTA, Dec 25, 2019, ANTARA. Dozens of protesters from multiple communities in Aceh Province took to the streets today, December 24, voicing support for Uighur Muslims reportedly oppressed in their state, China, Tempo.co reported.

The rally was centered in Simpang Lima Roundabout, Banda Aceh. In addition to Muslims, Chinese Indonesians also joined the mass protest.

Police guarded the event and blocked off one road section in the area. No traffic congestion occurred.

The rally coordinator, Reki bin Nyak Wang, during his oration demanded the Indonesian government take a stance and help Uighur minorities persecuted by the Chinese government.

“What they [Chinese government] do is a human rights violation. Aceh that is so far implementing Islamic law or sharia is always suspected for violating human rights, while what they do against Uighur Muslim is far worse,” said Reki.

The mass also urged Aceh provincial administration to contribute to defending the Muslim minorities. “Aceh people have a high tolerance and live together with anyone,” Reki added.

A similar statement also conveyed by Harianto, a Chinese Indonesian who joined the rally. The 39-year-old man asserted the oppression against Uighur Muslims in China could not be tolerated.

“We deeply lamented when religious people being oppressed in this world. Circulated information regarding the oppression causes a sense of uneasiness in social life,” said Harianto.