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Jokowi should meet with FPI to tone down protests: Lawmaker
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Staying firm: Habib Rizieq of the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) appears at the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) office on Nov. 3 for questioning on the alleged blasphemy case implicating non-active Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama. (Antara/Puspa Perwitasari)
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ouse of Representatives Deputy Speaker Fahri Hamzah has suggested President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo meet leaders of Islamic organizations, including Habib Rizieq of the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) who previously arranged a Nov. 4 mass demonstration, to ease tensions.
“If Pak Jokowi can be friends with Pak Prabowo, why not with them [FPI]?” said the controversial lawmaker on Friday, referring to Gerindra Party chairperson Prabowo Subianto, who lost the 2014 presidential race to Jokowi.
Jokowi has recently met with Prabowo twice, with the latest meeting taking place at the Presidential Palace on Thursday. This has been seen as a move by Jokowi to secure Prabowo’s support amid mounting protests against his presidency over allegations the President has not been impartial in his response to the blasphemy case impacting non-active Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama.
Jokowi has also conducted a series of visits to state security institutions, including the Indonesian Military and National Police.
“I don’t understand why Pak Jokowi doesn’t think it’s important to meet leaders of the mass demonstration, whom he refused to meet on Nov. 4 […] but agreed to meet leaders of various other groups?” the Islamic-based Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) politician added.
Fahri was confident that if Jokowi met with Rizieq and his supporters, criticism against his administration could be eased, particularly ahead of another planned demonstration slated for Dec. 2. (ebf)
