LAKSAMANA.Net, October 25, 2002 10:07 PM
VP Tells Muslims Not to Carry Weapons
October 25, 2002 10:07 PM,
Laksamana.Net - Vice President Hamzah Haz has urged radical Muslim groups to
abandon their habit of carrying sharp weapons during demonstrations.
"Please, do not bring any weapons such as machetes, sticks, much less firearms,"
he said in his address at the opening of the National Working Congress of the
Indonesian Mosques’ Council on Friday (25/10/02).
He said Muslims wishing to protest against vice at nightspots should arm themselves
with verses of the Islamic holy book, the Koran.
"I believe the chanting of Koranic verses will force those inside the nightspots to
abandon their vice," said Haz, who is also chairman of the Islam-based United
Development Party (PPP).
The Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) has often staged violent raids against nightspots,
but several FPI members, including the group’s leader, were arrested earlier this
month.
Haz said Muslims should abide by Islamic law when organizing rallies.
He praised Islamic groups that chant verses of the Koran whenever they carry out any
activity.
"Believe me, nightclubs and cafes will close down [by the force of Koranic verses]," he
said.
Indonesia’s nightspots in predominantly Muslim cities have been told to close down
or operate under reduced hours during the upcoming Muslim fasting month of
Ramadhan, which this year starts on November 7.
FPI over recent years has staged several demonstrations on Jakarta's main
backpacker street Jalan Jaksa. Although one raid earlier this year was violent,
foreigners have never yet been attacked by the radicals.
Last year when FPI members staged peaceful demonstrations on Jaksa during
Ramadhan and chanted holy scriptures, they were mocked by noisy foreign drunkards
and the bars remained open.
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