Opposition to hardliners grows in Indonesia

PROTESTERS in Jakarta Tuesday called for a crackdown against a hardline Islamic organization known for using violence.

Hundreds of people gathered amid tight security at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in Jakarta to demand authorities act against the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), whose aim is to see the implementation of sharia law in Indonesia.

The protest in Jakarta by a group calling itself the Movement for an FPI-free Indonesia comes days after a similar demonstration by hundreds of Dayak tribal people in Palangkaraya, the capital of Central Kalimantan province.

“We strongly condemn violent acts committed by the FPI. We demand the government guarantee the safety of all citizens and protect them from anarchic and violent acts carried out by the group,” said Vivi Widyawati, the movement’s coordinator.

“We have seen many FPI attacks on certain groups, which cannot be justified. Thus we call on all people to support this rally,” she said.

Report from ucanews.com