President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has expressed his regret over the clash after demonstration in front of the Merdeka Palace here on Friday, began dispersing at around 7:00 pm local time.

"We deplore the incident after the Isha (evening prayer) which should have been dispersed but turns into violent and we have seen that it has been exploited by political actors who made use of the situation," said Jokowi in a press conference at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on early Saturday.

The clash occurred in front of the Merdeka Palace in Jalan Medan Merdeka Utara and Medan Merdeka Barat after the crowd of people began to disperse as requested by the field coordinator.

On the occasion, however, Jokowi also expressed his appreciation to muslim scholars, habib and muslim leaders who have maintained the rally smooth in an orderly manner and according to the rules.

He also said it was agreed in the meeting with representatives of the demonstrators that legal proceedings against Jakarta Governor Basuki Purnama will be conducted firmly, fast, and transparent.

Therefore, Jokowi asked the demonstrators to return home to their residence in orderly manner and avoid provocation.

"I appreciate the hard work of the security forces who held a persuasive approach in maintaining the situation so that it remains conducive," Jokowi further said.

The president then asked the people to be calm after more than 100 thousand Muslims holding a peaceful rally in a show of support for the edict issued by the Indonesian Ulemas Council against Purnama (Ahok).

At the rally, the demonstrators urged law enforcement agencies to take legal action against Purnama for alleged blasphemous statement concerning the Holy Quran. 

On Friday at around 11:20 pm local time, Jokowi held a coordination meeting with some members of the Working Cabinet to discuss the aftermath of the protests by some elements of society at the Merdeka Palace. Source: ANTARA