FPI threatens to raid nightspots during Ramadhan

FPI threatens to raid nightspots during Ramadhan

Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Defying police warnings, the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI)
maintained that it would raid nightspots violating city
regulations governing the operation of entertainment centers
during the holy month of Ramadhan.

Jafar Siddiq, secretary-general of the Islamic Defenders
Troops (LPI), a unit of FPI, said on Thursday that FPI members
would specifically target entertainment centers that serve
alcoholic drinks during Ramadhan.

They would also strike videogame centers, massage parlors,
discotheques and nightclubs that, according to a city regulation,
are prohibited from operating during Ramadhan.

Jafar, FPI's former field coordinator for South Jakarta,
asserted that he had prepared some 400,000 personnel at 3,000
posts across Greater Jakarta, 580 of which are located in
Jakarta.

"FPI will remain tough, like last year, by supervising
adherence to the bylaw and raiding those places that violate it.
Of course, the action will only be taken if there is no favorable
response to a letter of warning to them", he said.

When questioned about action that police would take against
any groups taking unlawful action against nightspots, Jaffar said
that FPI would not back off, adding that if bloodshed was
required then that sacrifice would be made.

Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bachrul Alam had
earlier said that police would take stern action against hard-
line groups conducting vigilante campaigns during the fasting
month of Ramadhan.

FPI became infamous for their raids on venues last year when
they attacked several entertainment centers such as MW Bar and
Ratu Ayu Bar, both located in Wijaya Kusuma area, South Jakarta,
and Kawanu Pub in Tebet district, South Jakarta.

Besides FPI, the Justice Party also vowed to oppose sinners
during Ramadhan, but said that it would pursue its objections
peacefully.

Justice Party chairman Hidayat Nur Wahid said on Thursday that
his party had prepared several nonaggressive plans, including
"enlightening programs" that would be held in all districts in
the capital, peaceful parades, placing posters in strategic
places, mass prayers and social activities.