FPI revives militia wing, police warn against raids

FPI revives militia wing, police warn against raids

Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The Islam Defenders Front (FPI) is reactivating its feared
paramilitary wing, with the same mission as before -- fighting
against immorality in its own way if necessary.

FPI chairman Habib Muhammad Rizieq Shihab said on Tuesday that
recruitment had already started last Wednesday at FPI
headquarters at Jl. Petamburan III, Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta,
and so far some 80 people had registered.

FPI, which often raided red-light districts, amusement centers
and massage parlors, was disbanded early in November following
the suspension of detention of Rizieq, who was charged with
instigating violence.

Rizieq said the reactivation of FPI's paramilitary wing was a
follow-up to its internal leadership consolidation meeting held
to evaluate the performance of the organization's four-year
existence.

"You should remember that the FPI paramilitary wing was only
frozen as we wanted to achieve internal consolidation; we are
reactivating it now as the consolidation has been successful,"
Rizieq told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

He added that the reactivation had nothing to do with external
factors, such as the U.S. threat against Iraq or anticipation of
the 2004 general elections.

The disbanding of FPI's militia wing came less than a month
after Laskar Jihad, a much larger paramilitary group blamed for
aggravating sectarian violence in Maluku and Central Sulawesi,
dissolved itself on Oct. 12, the day powerful bombs ripped
through two popular cafes in Kuta, Bali, killing at least 202
people and injuring over 350 others, mostly foreigners.

FPI was known for its violent activities, which included
vandalizing bars and nightclubs it accused of being dens of
iniquity. A number of entertainment operators, however, said some
FPI members also extorted money from them.

Rizieq admitted the result of FPI internal consolidation
showed a number of weaknesses in the organization due to
intervention by outsiders like the military, politicians, and
businesspeople.

FPI militia chief Jafar Siddiq said on Tuesday that all
weaknesses in the past could be eliminated, as strict
requirements would be imposed on those who wanted to become
paramilitary members.

Jafar said that to be accepted as a member an applicant would
have to pass an entrance test and take part in training organized
by FPI headquarters.

Jafar said the activities of the FPI militia would not be that
different from the previous one, namely fighting against
"immorality" like prostitution and gambling.

He added his organization might change the way it implemented
its struggle, such as via legal procedures like reporting
violations of the law to the police and law enforcement agencies.

"However, if the police and other law enforcers do not respond
to our reports, we may still resort to our old ways," Jafar told
the Post.

Meanwhile, Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Prasetyo warned
the FPI militia not to repeat its old mistakes, like raiding
entertainment venues.

However, he added the police would not take action against any
organization, including the FPI militia, if it did not violate
the law.

"But if they repeat their old practices, like 'sweeping'
entertainment venues, we'll arrest them," Prasetyo said.