M

edan: A protest against the relocation of Raudhatul Islam Mosque by a housing businessman in Medan, North Sumatra, turned wild on Friday.

Chaos broke out when a collective group from various Muslim organizations marched on Emerald Garden Hotel after Friday prayers to ask for accountability from PT Jatimasindo for relocating the mosque. The Jatimasindo businessman was believed to be the owner of the hotel.

Disappointed with not being able to meet with the Jatimasindo owner, the protesters burned used tires in front of the hotel’s lobby.

The melee restricted hotel guests from entering the hotel compound. Police officers, assisted by security guards, tried to put out the fire, but were prevented by protesters in a confrontation that resulted in a shoving match.

Muslim People’s Forum chairman Indra Suheri said that the protesters were disappointed by Jatimasindo management’s refusal to meet protesters.

“The mosque was built on charitable land so that the building cannot be compensated in line with Law No. 41/2004,” Indra said, adding that the demolition of the mosque was to make way for the construction of a housing complex and a shopping mall.

North Sumatra Office of Religious Affairs head Abdul Rahim refused to be interviewed by reporters over the protest. “It will be better next time, Bapak [Abdul Rahim] is away now,” said Khoiruddin, a member of Abdul Rahim’s staff.