The Jakarta Post, February 26, 2003
FPI revives militia wing, police warn against raids
Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The Islam Defenders Front (FPI) is reactivating its feared paramilitary wing, with the
same mission as before -- fighting against immorality in its own way if necessary.
FPI chairman Habib Muhammad Rizieq Shihab said on Tuesday that recruitment had
already started last Wednesday at FPI headquarters at Jl. Petamburan III, Tanah
Abang, Central Jakarta, and so far some 80 people had registered.
FPI, which often raided red-light districts, amusement centers and massage parlors,
was disbanded early in November following the suspension of detention of Rizieq, who
was charged with instigating violence.
Rizieq said the reactivation of FPI's paramilitary wing was a follow-up to its internal
leadership consolidation meeting held to evaluate the performance of the
organization's four-year existence.
"You should remember that the FPI paramilitary wing was only frozen as we wanted
to achieve internal consolidation; we are reactivating it now as the consolidation has
been successful," Rizieq told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.
He added that the reactivation had nothing to do with external factors, such as the
U.S. threat against Iraq or anticipation of the 2004 general elections.
The disbanding of FPI's militia wing came less than a month after Laskar Jihad, a
much larger paramilitary group blamed for aggravating sectarian violence in Maluku
and Central Sulawesi, dissolved itself on Oct. 12, the day powerful bombs ripped
through two popular cafes in Kuta, Bali, killing at least 202 people and injuring over
350 others, mostly foreigners.
FPI was known for its violent activities, which included vandalizing bars and nightclubs
it accused of being dens of iniquity. A number of entertainment operators, however,
said some FPI members also extorted money from them.
Rizieq admitted the result of FPI internal consolidation showed a number of
weaknesses in the organization due to intervention by outsiders like the military,
politicians, and businesspeople.
FPI militia chief Jafar Siddiq said on Tuesday that all weaknesses in the past could be
eliminated, as strict requirements would be imposed on those who wanted to become
paramilitary members.
Jafar said that to be accepted as a member an applicant would have to pass an
entrance test and take part in training organized by FPI headquarters.
Jafar said the activities of the FPI militia would not be that different from the previous
one, namely fighting against "immorality" like prostitution and gambling.
He added his organization might change the way it implemented its struggle, such as
via legal procedures like reporting violations of the law to the police and law
enforcement agencies.
"However, if the police and other law enforcers do not respond to our reports, we may
still resort to our old ways," Jafar told the Post.
Meanwhile, Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Prasetyo warned the FPI militia not
to repeat its old mistakes, like raiding entertainment venues.
However, he added the police would not take action against any organization,
including the FPI militia, if it did not violate the law.
"But if they repeat their old practices, like 'sweeping' entertainment venues, we'll
arrest them," Prasetyo said.
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