Download Indonesians are fed up with the violent antics of the infamous hard-line group, the Islamic Defender’s Front, or FPI.
The self-appointed ‘moral police’ are notorious for their brutal actions, especially toward minority groups.
A dramatic protest against the FPI by the Dayak tribe in Kalimantan has sparked a wave of support.
In the capital Jakarta this week, hundreds of people gathered to express their growing resentment against the vigilante group.
Citra Prastuti has this report.
Hundreds of people are gathered here in front of the main traffic circle in the capital Jakarta.
The crowd is holding up a big poster that reads: ‘Indonesia without violence, Indonesia without the Islamic Defender’s Front’.
Vivi Widyawati leads the protesters.
“We have facts on how this hard-line group attacks other groups. That’s violating human rights and so far we don’t see stern actions from the government and the police – and without that, the violence will continue, not only in Jakarta but also in other places.”
This rally was inspired by the bravery shown by hundreds of indigenous Dayak people in Central Kalimantan who rejected the presence of the FPI in their city.
They Dayaks blockaded the runway, preventing a plane carrying FPI members from landing.
Sabran Ahmad is a leading Dayak figure.
“The Dayak indigenous council refuses the presence of FPI in Central Kailmantan. We don’t accept any of their activities.”
An FPI leader later accused the crowd of being anarchists.
But Salim Alatas, a Jakarta-based FPI leader, denies similar accusations against the hard-line group.
“If the liberal groups want to disband the FPI saying that we committed anarchy, then I have a question to ask for the government. How about the political parties using violence during local elections, burning things, why doesn’t the government disband them as well? The FPI does not kill people and we don’t burn sinful places, not until now. What kind of anarchy did we ever commit?”
The FPI has a long history of violent attacks against minority groups such as Ahmadiyah, gay-transgender and churches.
During the holy fasting month of Ramadhan, the FPI regularly raids night clubs and food stalls that remain open during the day.
One of the most notable attacks occurred in 2008 when the FPI ambushed a rally held by the National Alliance for the Freedom of Faith and Religion.
Dozens of women and children were injured in the violence that ensued.
Young Muslim scholar Guntur Romli was at the rally and says the Indonesian public is looking for firm action from the government.
“Preachers can suggest FPI to introspect, but not the President. The president owns the right and tools, and the state holds the only right to use violence in the country. That’s what’s need to be done.”
But President Yudhoyono is defending the FPI’s right to organize on the basis of freedom of speech and action.
“Mass organisations must understand that sometimes what they are doing are making other people uncomfortable in our country. But any organisation that violates the law must face due legal process, with no exceptions. That’s under the law domain but it’s not possible for the president to act beyond the law.”
And the Home Minister Gamawan Fauzi says he has filed a second and final warning against the FPI.
“We have the law. Let’s not exaggerate things just because it’s about the Islamic Defender’s Front. Any mass organization that violates the law, will be sanctioned.”
According to the 1985 law on mass organisations, any organisation with a record of violence can be disbanded, but it’s a long procedure that requires an order from the Supreme Court.
The law is going to be revised by the parliament next month.
Singing the national anthem, protesters in Jakarta say they are standing up for an Indonesia that is both peaceful and tolerant.
Alissa Wahid is among the crowd.
She’s the daughter of former president Abdurrahman Wahid, known as the father of pluralism in Indonesia.
“In our hands, Indonesia might not be the Indonesia we’ve dreamt of, but it’s a start, its’a beginning. We are working for the sake of our children and grandchildren. We want our children and Indonesia to stay on the map. We have to work together. If you don’t speak up, the government won’t listen.”
Yuli Rettroblaut is also there to show her support.
As a transgender, she has witnessed several acts of violence committed by the FPI.
Yuli is now running as a candidate for member of The National Human Rights Commission.
“We have been victims of FPI’s violence. And we thought, we’re citizens too, we have the same right as other citizens.”
Q. How strong is the support from transgender community to disband FPI?
“We give 100 percent support. What we see is violence towards our friends. How could we let something like this happen? Rather than keeping it around, FPI should be disbanded.”
