As Jakarta braces itself for yet another protest by hardline Muslim groups against its Christian governor, thousands of people have gathered in the capital to call for peace and unity.
"Let's show the world we can live side by side in harmony, despite differences," Jakarta's acting governor Soni Sumarsono told the crowd around the National Monument on Wednesday morning.
The "Unified Archipelago" rally comes as police and military personnel prepare for another protest on Friday against the capital's current governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, commonly referred to as Ahok.
The last protest - held on November 4 - brought more than 150,000 people to Jakarta demanding Ahok's immediate jailing over comments he made referring to the Koran.
It started peacefully but ended in police vehicles being burnt, hundreds injured and one person dying from asthma after authorities fired tear gas.
The violence prompted President Joko Widodo to cancel his Australian visit.
Ahok has since been named a suspect for blasphemy and is set to face court as soon as possible.
However, he has not been detained - inflaming hardline groups.
After initially attempting to ban the Friday rally, police are now trying to contain it within the open space surrounding the National Monument in Jakarta.
"Please follow this religious activity in orderly fashion. We will secure it as much as possible. We will even join that 'dzikir' (chanting)," police chief Tito Karnavian said this week.
Twelve people have been arrested over the November 4 rally, with ties to a terrorist group.
Meanwhile, at Ahok's campaign centre in Central Jakarta, hundreds are flocking there each day - donning his trademark navy and red checked shirts and cheering a governor they believe has improved the capital.
Roberto Christian, 27, told AAP: "I want to come so that he can see that I'm supporting him."
Under Ahok, he added, Jakarta's streets have been cleaner and infrastructure and transport has improved.
Ahok, meanwhile, is confident he has the support to win the hotly contested gubernatorial elections in February.
"On average there are about 1300 people (here at the campaign office). They give us donations. Yesterday they gave 100 million (rupiah) (about A$10,000)," he said on Tuesday.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi is still in discussions with her Australian counterpart Julie Bishop about a time frame for President Widodo to visit Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in Australia.
"They are trying to make this happen as soon as possible for the two leaders," Indonesia's Foreign Affairs spokesman Arrmanatha Nasir told AAP.
