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.