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Police hunt for political actors, financiers of anti-Ahok rally
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Ransacked -- The police place crime tape in front of a convenience store that was looted in Penjaringan, North Jakarta, on Nov. 4. (Antara/Hafidz Mubarak A.)
T
he National Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) is pursuing the “political actors” behind a massive rally on Nov. 4 by several Islamic organizations, during which they demanded that charges be brought against non-active Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama’s alleged blasphemy.
Bareskrim said it had questioned individuals participating in the rally, which was conducted peacefully until it turned violent in the evening. The department further said it would collaborate with the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) to trace the financiers of the rally.
“We are carefully examining each detail that occurred during the rally. Violence erupted. Property was destroyed. One incident led to another,” Bareskrim chief Insp. Gen. Ari Dono told reporters on the sidelines of a gathering at the Police Staff College (PTIK) in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Ari said the police decided to conduct an investigation after President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo mentioned the possible involvement of political actors who took advantage of the chaotic situation during the anti-Ahok demonstration.
It has been suggested that the police have obtained the names of several people believed to have used the demonstration for personal benefit. Ari declined to discuss the matter, saying the investigation was under way.
Protesters had been given until 6 p.m. to stage the rally, organized by several Islamic organizations including the Islam Defenders Front (FPI), but some refused to disperse and the situation turned violent. Several areas across Jakarta, especially the northern area, saw an uncontrollable chaotic situation.
The police detained and declared 13 people suspects for instigating a riot in Penjaringan, North Jakarta. Fifteen others are on the police’s most wanted list. (ebf)
