TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Dozens of people from organizations called Sandhi Murti, Patriot Garuda Nusantara (PGN), Gerakan Pemuda (GP) Ansor, and Pecalang (Bali traditional guards) arrived at the Bali Police in Denpasar on Monday, May 15, 2017, to question the investigation into a defamation case involving former Islamic Defender Front (FPI) spokesperson Munarman.

“We don’t want any forces that pose threats to the Unitary State of Republic of Indonesia and [state ideology] disrupt religious tolerance,” PGN advisor Gus Yadi said today.

Gerakan Advokat Bhinneka Tunggal Ika spokesperson Agustinus Nahak called on police to immediately arrest Munarman.

“Munarman and his gang who have been named as suspects must be arrested. This case must be processed immediately,” Agustinus said. “This case doesn’t seem to be handled appropriately. We demand responses from the police.”

Munarman was reported to the Bali Police on Monday, January 16, for making comments in video footage accusing that a number of pecalangs had thrown objects towards local residents and prohibited Muslims from conducting Friday Prayers. Munarman’s accusation was not supported by valid data and evidence.

Munarman was named a suspect by the Bali Police on February 7 for allegedly violating Article 28 (2) in conjunction with Article 45 a (2) of Law No 19/2016 on information and online transactions.

Adj. Sr. Comr. Rudi Setiawan, deputy director of special crime at the Bali Police, met with the representatives of the protestors at the police headquarter to discuss the matter.

BRAM SETIAWAN