“We want to seek support and protection from the House on this matter. We don’t want the government to move forward with its plan because they have no legal basis to ban us,” HTI spokesman Ismail Yusanto said.

“The HTI is a legal organization, we have a decree. So, we have a constitutional right to hold events. Our activities are focused on dakwah [religious proselytizing] about Islamic teachings,” he added.

(Read also: Govt moves to ban HTI) 

The government announced Monday that it was banning the group that achieved legal status in 2014, saying it promoted an ideology that was against the Pancasila and could threaten national unity. The group is known for its aim to establish an Islamic caliphate in Indonesia.

House deputy speaker Fadli Zon of the Gerindra Party said the government’s ban of HTI was a misstep as it did not follow procedures. Under the 2013 Mass Organizations Law, the government must send warning letters before banning a group.

Fadli also claimed that the HTI had made positive contributions to Indonesia, for example in the deliberation of draft revision of the 2001 Oil and Gas Law.

“In its internal regulation, HTI has mentioned they adhere to Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution. I believe the government has taken the wrong step,” he said. (ebf)

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