TEMPO.CO, Kendal - The Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) promised not to launch a post-clash strike following last week's run-in with the residents of Sukorejo, Kendal. "We are cooling down. We guarantee there will be no FPI movement to Sukorejo or the Kendal Police headquarters," Head of Advocacy Division for FPI Central Java, Zaenal Lightning, told Tempo on Saturday, July 21.
The decision was made after an internal evaluation over what happened in Sukorejo. Zaenal admitted that, after the clash, a number of FPI members from several districts had intended to go to Kendal to "act" and visit the three fellow members currently being held at the Kendal Police after being named suspects in the clash and the hit and rund that caused the death of a Kendal local. "But we were able to prevent it," he said.
However, Chairman of the FPI Magelang, Hartanto, said he would not back down. "We will continue to preach and fight against disobedience," he said.
Until two days after the clashes, six platoons of police officers remain on-alert in Kendal. Three platoons are stationed in Sukorejo, while the other three are guarding the Kendal Police Headquarters.
Kendal Police Chief Adj. Sr. Comm. Asep Jenal Ahmadi said the officers are still on guard to anticipate possible aftermath clashes that may threat the safety of the citizens.
Head of Public Relations of the Central Java Police, Sr. Comm. Djihartono, said the regional Police had ordered the sectoral police to prevent the FPI mass from moving outside of their area.
Polri spokesperson, Insp. Gen. Ronny F. Sompie said that the sweeping and raids held by community organizations are not a solution to overcome problems. If they have objections towards red light districts that stay open during Ramadan, they should report it to the local police instead of going vigilante.
"If they say the sweeping was done because the police ignore the people's report, it is impossible," he said. "That is just a made-up reason to justify things."
SOHIRIN | ALI AKHMAD | OLIVIA LEWI PRAMESTI | ISTIQOMATUL
