Thousands gather in Jakarta to protest against governor Ahok

Protestors marching towards the National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta on Friday morning - The Straits Times/FRANCIS CHAN/ANN

JAKARTA: Thousands of Muslims have started marching towards the National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta on Friday morning to take part in a protest against the city's governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama for insulting Islam.

Many had gathered at local mosques and schools in Jakarta the night before to prepare for the rally organised by the National Fatwa Guardians of the Indonesian Ulema Council (GNPF-MUI) and led by the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI).