Banning Eid parades disappointed Muslim citizens who blamed the government for interfering in Islamic affairs without any regards for their feelings

By Kazi Mahmood, IOL Southeast Asia Correspondent

KUALA LUMPUR, November 22 (IslamOnline) – Police in Jakarta has banned the traditional rallies called “Takbiran” held on the eve of Eid el-Fitri (feast) amid security concerns, news agencies reported Friday November 22, 2002.

Governor Sutiyoso announced Wednesday, November 20, that city leaders would prohibit these parades during which revelers shout “Allahu Akbar” mostly from the backs of trucks as they roam city streets.

"The city administration has agreed with the city police to ban Takbiran parades on the eve of Eid el-Fitri early next month. The parade tends to have a negative impact, instead of being useful," Sutiyoso said as reported by Antara.

The ban has disappointed the citizens, who once again blamed the government and the governor for interfering in Islamic affairs without any regards for Muslims’ feelings.

The authorities called on the public not to hold parades last year, but this is the first time a ban has been issued.

The new policy was formulated amid heightened security concerns in the capital, especially following the Bali blasts, the Jakarta Post reported.

Takbiran is part of the Eid el-Fitri celebrations when Muslims mark the end of their holy fasting month of Ramadan, and is usually held at mosques or on the street. Apart from chanting Allahu Akbar, revelers beat drums and other percussion instruments.

But Sutiyoso said that the National Great Takbiran ceremony will be held at the National Monument Park and everyone in Jakarta will be invited to take part. Representatives from all the provinces in the country will attend the event.

The governor said a security force of 15,349 officers, comprising personnel from the police, military, public order agency and the public, would join the operation.

Officers will be deployed at 90 areas around the city where trouble could possibly break out, such as railway stations, bus stations, markets, masjids and churches.

Sutiyoso also said that food supplies in the city would be adequate over the holidays. He added that the supply of rice would be adequate for three months.

Jakarta is a huge metropolitan city with a population estimated around 11 million and hugely of Islamic faith. The citizens use to take enjoyment in driving around the city in trucks to celebrate the Eid.

Indonesians would be seen wearing colorful traditional Malay dresses, some carrying the Indonesian flag or that of their organization to celebrate the Eid.

Some Muslims are asking whether the Governor will also ban the “Dragon” rides during which Chinese citizens would be seen on top of trucks brandishing the paper dragon during Chinese New Year.

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