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