Police claims no authority to disband organizations

While calls are mounting for the disbandment of violent mass organizations, the National Police said on Thursday that it does not have the authority to do so.

“The National Police does not have the authority to freeze or disband mass organizations,” National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Ketut Untung Yoga Ana said as quoted by Tempointeraktif.com news portal.

Concerns over violent organizations have resurfaced following the killing of three Ahmadis in Banten and the attack on three churches in Temanggung, Central Java.

On Wednesday, president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called for the disbandment of mass organizations that have often coaxed violence. Similar calls have also come from inter religious groups. Several lawmakers have supported the idea.

Ketut said the authority to disband mass organizations lies in the hands of the central or regional governments or in the municipalities, “depending on [where the organizations are registered].”