Jakarta, activists and civil society in the streets against FPI Islamic radicals
by Mathias Hariyadi
After the "unprecedented" Dayak protest in Borneo, yesterday it was the turn of the capital. The event was endorsed by President Yudhoyono, calling on the police to ensure compliance with the law and protect the right to demonstrate peacefully. Indonesian activist: We want "a nation without violence."
Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Inspired by the "exceptional" and "unprecedented" protest launched by the Dayak tribes in Palangkaraya, Borneo, last weekend (see AsiaNews 14/02/2012 Borneo: "unprecedented" protest, Dayak stop Islamic radicals) many associations and groups defending human rights in Indonesia have found the strength and courage to rebel against Islamic extremists. Yesterday in Jakarta dozens of young people have organized a demonstration in front of the Hotel's Rotunda, in the capital, demanding the government and institutional leaders from the country to ban the Islamic Defence Front (FPI) for the acts of violence and the bad reputation built over the years. The demonstrations showed the endorsement of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono: according to the spokesman Julian Aldrin Pasha, the President stated that it was "all right, because we are committed to promoting peaceful protests, in compliance with the law."
Analysts and print experts explain that the commitment of Yudhoyono's words are an invitation to the police, called to protect protesters from being "sold" to the extremist group. At the same time the President will address the members of the FPI, making it clear that violence will not be tolerated. Indeed, in June 2008, dozens of activists were the subject of an assault by members and sympathizers of the Islamic Defence Front, as they demonstrated peacefully near the National Monument (Monas Tugu) to protect the rights of Ahmadis.
Timur Pradopo, head of the Indonesian police, personally oversaw security yesterday in Jakarta, terming the march a "the freedom of expression" guaranteed to all citizens. However, he invited the protesters to "respect the law" when it comes to events "in public places." At the end of the day the police arrested two protesters, but it is not clear whether they have been arrested or questioned and released only at a later time.
During the live demonstration, Widyawati, coordinator of the anti-Islamist movement, stressed that the choice of demonstration is a way to "strengthen the hope of the majority of Indonesian citizens" and to bring about "a nation without violence." She explains that the group has no fears of possible attacks: "We will not be distracted by intimidation – she made clear - and we will continue with the method of nonviolent struggle."
The Islamic Defence Front wants the introduction of Shariah, Islamic law in Indonesia, and is suspected of connivance with the police, during raids and assaults. The group is accused of using violence to introduce Islamic values in the most populous Muslim country in the world, with over 240 million people. In the past, the FPI launched a series of attacks since 2000, affecting among others the U.S. Embassy and bars, nightclubs and private clubs, especially during Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and prayer.
Analysts and print experts explain that the commitment of Yudhoyono's words are an invitation to the police, called to protect protesters from being "sold" to the extremist group. At the same time the President will address the members of the FPI, making it clear that violence will not be tolerated. Indeed, in June 2008, dozens of activists were the subject of an assault by members and sympathizers of the Islamic Defence Front, as they demonstrated peacefully near the National Monument (Monas Tugu) to protect the rights of Ahmadis.
Timur Pradopo, head of the Indonesian police, personally oversaw security yesterday in Jakarta, terming the march a "the freedom of expression" guaranteed to all citizens. However, he invited the protesters to "respect the law" when it comes to events "in public places." At the end of the day the police arrested two protesters, but it is not clear whether they have been arrested or questioned and released only at a later time.
During the live demonstration, Widyawati, coordinator of the anti-Islamist movement, stressed that the choice of demonstration is a way to "strengthen the hope of the majority of Indonesian citizens" and to bring about "a nation without violence." She explains that the group has no fears of possible attacks: "We will not be distracted by intimidation – she made clear - and we will continue with the method of nonviolent struggle."
The Islamic Defence Front wants the introduction of Shariah, Islamic law in Indonesia, and is suspected of connivance with the police, during raids and assaults. The group is accused of using violence to introduce Islamic values in the most populous Muslim country in the world, with over 240 million people. In the past, the FPI launched a series of attacks since 2000, affecting among others the U.S. Embassy and bars, nightclubs and private clubs, especially during Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and prayer.
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See also
The FPI Islamic extremist movement is outlawed
30/12/2020 12:40
30/12/2020 12:40
