FPI acts beyond law enforcers: Muhammadiyah

This April 12, 2006, file photo shows members of the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) rioting in front of the offices of Playboy Indonesia in Jakarta.(JP/R.Berto Wedhatama) 

Muhammadiyah Youth chairman Saleh Daulay said that in its actions the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) had acted beyond law enforcers, especially the police.

“The FPI seems to have more power than law enforcers,” Saleh said, as quoted by tribunnews.com on Saturday during a discussion about a proposed bill on mass organization.

Saleh was commenting on the statement made by the FPI’s legal and propagation division staff Hasbi Ibrahim, who said the FPI took action because of their perception of sluggishness on the behalf of the police in upholding law, particularly concerning night clubs and other places of vice.

Saleh went on to say that repressive action shown by the FPI had given Islam a bad name, and the FPI’s way was not a reflection of Islam as a religion that promotes peace.

“Amar ma’ruf nahi munkar (promoting good deeds and preventing bad deeds) should be implemented by showing a good example, but the FPI instead shows deeds that disturb public order,” said Saleh. (iwa)