Ministers support FPI

The Jakarta Post  |  Sat, 07/12/2008 11:41 AM  |  Opinion

Permit me to draw your attention to my first desperate call for help last month. I am compelled to write to you again on this matter, since the situation has worsened.

Two of our ministers have issued public statements supporting the chairman of the Islam Defenders Front (FPI), Habib Rizieq and his organization.

They are those in charge of co-operatives and forestry. These ministers represent two different political parties, supporting the government.

Indeed there are a couple of such other parties. So far, however, they have been supporting from behind the scenes.

Such support definitely has political implications, and has weakened the thrust of police investigations (into the attack by FPI members at the National Monument (Monas) park in early June.

One of the ministers, in a recent statement, made an appeal for the release of Rizieq and to declare his organization not guilty.

Right now, only seven out of more than 50 suspects originally detained are still in custody.

I once again make an appeal to the world community to help us in this matter. In view of the latest happenings in the Philippines and Pakistan, if these radicals are not punished, then not only this region, but the entire world will become their playground.

ANAND KRISHNA
Jakarta