Huge security at Jakarta prayer rally

Indonesian security forces were on alert today as Muslim students and activists opposed to US-led strikes in Afghanistan prepared to hold a mass prayer rally near the heavily guarded US Embassy in Jakarta.

Rally organisers predicted thousands would attend - Friday is Islam’s holy day.

In a separate development, Parliament’s speaker Akbar Tandjung demanded that President Megawati Sukarnoputri ask Washington to stop its bombing campaign.

Megawati met senior legislators and Cabinet ministers to explain her government’s stance on the war against terrorism.

Several weeks ago, she pledged support for Washington’s fight. However, her government, rattled by the concerns of Muslim politicians who helped her take office in July, has since urged the United States to show restraint.

‘‘She has to be even more clear and firm, for example by asking America to stop the bombings,’’ said Tandjung before the meeting.

The government has rejected demands by some radical Muslim groups that Indonesia suspend diplomatic relations with the United States. It promised to protect US citizens and interests following threats by militants to round up foreigners and attack the US mission.

Today’s prayer gathering was to be held in the capital’s main park that separates the embassy from the presidential palace, two locations targeted by demonstrators this week.

Most protests have been small and peaceful. However, police have used tear gas and water cannons to break up some groups.

Col Anton Bahrul Alam said about 5,000 police officers had been deployed to safeguard the capital.

‘‘If demonstrations turn violent, we will take stern action,’’ he said.