He added that instead of responding with violence, HTI followers should challenge in court the government’s decision to revoke the organization’s legal status.

“If HTI cannot accept the decision, they can use any legal mechanism,” he told journalists in Jakarta on Thursday.

Tito further warned that police would use Article 107b of Law No.27/1999 on State Security to take action against any acts of violence.

(Read also: Hizbut Tahrir to challenge disbandment by government)

The government disbanded HTI on Wednesday for conducting activities that contradict the Pancasila state ideology and the principle of the Unitary State of the Republic Indonesia (NKRI). The revocation of HTI’s status as a legal entity was based on presidential regulation in lieu of law (Perppu) No.2/2017 on Mass Organizations, which was issued on July 10.

Separately, National Police spokesperson Insp. Gen. Setyo Wasisto said police would not seal HTI’s offices, adding that the government only banned the organization, not its religious activities.

“But if in their religious activities, they spread messages that defy the Pancasila and NKRI, we might take security measures against them,” he said.

HTI is set to file a lawsuit with the Jakarta State Administrative Court (PTUN) to challenge the revocation of its legal status. (ecn/ebf)

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