FPI ready to fight terrorists
Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Makassar, South Sulawesi | Fri, 08/14/2009 8:00 PM
Hard-line Muslim group the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) in eastern part of Indonesia denounced on Friday acts of terrorism and declared their readiness to help fight terror suspects on the run.
The group’s leader, Habib Mahmud bin Umar Al Hamid, said terrorism went against Islam, which promotes peace.
He said a terror group would find it difficult to develop if people did not give any room for them to spread their teachings.
“If people are united and support the government, police and military, terrorists will find no opportunity to strike. Therefore we call on people to fight terrorism.”
He said the FPI was against violence and could not accept the use of violence in the name of religion in the country.
“Indonesia is a peaceful country and does not need jihadists anymore. Those who want to fight for Islam can go to the battlefields in Palestine or Iraq.”
He said the FPI expected the government to ensure no violence occurred during Ramadan fasting month, so that Muslims could conduct their religious duties untroubled.
