In Indonesia :: ‘FPI-Free’ Rally Marked by Fears Over Protection

A peaceful rally at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in Jakarta meant to protest violent tactics used by some religious groups was marred by scuffles and uncertain police protection in the face of possible confrontation.

About 15 minutes into the rally, which began at 4 p.m., police herded the estimated 150 protestors off the traffic circle to the front of Plaza Indonesia.

Organizers of the rally, a group that called itself “FPI-Free Indonesia,” announced that police had told them members of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) might be on their way to the site.

Ririn Sefani, one of the spokeswomen for the event — inspired by the actions of the Dayak tribesmen in Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan, on Saturday — said police had told her, “If something happens [after the FPI arrives], it will not be our responsibility.”

Still, the majority of protesters, who included a number of celebrities, did not budge. Shortly thereafter, a number of men began to yank at the banners and posters, shouting “Disband this event! Disband!”

The crowd reacted immediately to prevent the interference, and police intervened in the melee to drag the interlopers away.

“There were several people we have had to escort to our post,” Jakarta Police officer M. Nababan said at the scene. Witnesses said four people were taken from the site.

Nababan said he suspected the men were FPI spies or agents provocateur intending to stir up trouble.

“I have reminded the [protesters] to please be peaceful, but today everything could easily heat up,” he said. “What if it explodes? Who will save the protesters?”

Sr. Comr. Rikwanto, a Jakarta Police spokesman, said the protesters were only asked to move so they did not disrupt the flow of traffic in the busy street.

Ahmad Sobri Lubis, secretary general of the FPI, denied the hard-line group planned to interfere in the protest but said some sympathizers were present.

“They said they wanted to go to check out the rally,” he said.

He insisted that the group at the traffic circle could not claim to represent all Indonesians.

“How could they claim it was the Indonesian people when there were only 60 people with them?” he claimed. “The rest were police officers, street vendors and journalists.”

Tunggal Pawestri, one of the protest’s spokeswomen, said the group was ready to hold another rally in the near future.

Alissa Wahid, a daughter of late President Abdurrahman “Gus Dur” Wahid, said if Indonesia wanted to stay on the map, people had to unite against violence.

“We want all the people to unite, reject any kind of violence, not only by the FPI,” she said.

Dimas Hary, another protester, said he was disappointed that the police had refused to do their job in the event of an FPI attack.