FPI told to promote peace

FPI told to promote peace

JAKARTA: Vice President Hamzah Haz suggested the Islamic
Defenders Front (FPI) make itself more peace oriented during its
fourth anniversary celebrations on Monday.

In his speech read by religious affairs minister Said Agil
Almunawar, Hamzah said he welcomed FPI's efforts to help create
public order in the country's religious and national life.

FPI celebrated its fourth anniversary at its headquarters in
Petamburan, Central Jakarta.

Hamzah, who is also general chairman of the Islamic-based
United Development Party (PPP), said the group should not adopt
an exclusive attitude.

"Islamic people should be able to build cooperation with all
components of the country. They should unite their ideas to bring
justice and development to the nation," he said.

Hamzah added that Indonesian Muslims had embraced the
principle of ahlussunnah wal jamaah (a moderate attitude).

"Those who can't moderate their thoughts and behavior cannot
claim that they are the followers of ahlussunnah wal jamaah or at
least they don't understand the concept," he said.

After the commemoration, FPI members staged a rally in front
of the legislative assembly building, where the People's
Consultative Assembly (MPR) Annual Session is being held.

They demanded legislators amend the 1945 Constitution to
include the words, "with the obligation to carry out Islamic law
by its believers". The amendment to Article 29 on religious
freedom would pave the way for the implementation of Islamic law
in the country. --Antara