Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan called on the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) to “keep defending religion” during an opening speech he delivered at the mass organization’s 21st anniversary celebration on Saturday morning.

FPI spokesman Munarman said the anniversary celebration went off without a hitch.

“It went [according to plan]. The governor encouraged the FPI to keep defending religion and never tire of helping fellow Muslims,” he said as quoted by Munarman, tempo.co reported.

Separately, 212 Rally Alumni chairman Slamet Maarif said the governor attended as a key speaker along with several other religious figures.

“The Jakarta governor delivered the opening speech. Syukron Mahmud, Taufiq Assegaf, Ali Abdurrahman Assegaf delivered sermons and a there was a message from [FPI head] Rizieq Shihab,” Slamet said on Saturday.

He went on to say the anniversary celebration, which took place in Rawa Badak Stadium, North Jakarta, was attended by thousands of Muslims and featured a parade organized by members of the Islam Defenders Force (LPI) from across the country. (rfa)

Editor's note: This article has been amended to correct the translation of Munarman’s statement.