Manado Residents Hold Protest Demanding FPI Disbandment

TEMPO.CO, Manado - Thousands of North Sulawesi residents joint in a number of  indigenous community organizations held an act of defending The Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) in Manado, Thursday, November 17, 2016. They demanded that the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) be dismantled.

The NKRI defenders act participants also demanded the prosecution of FPI leader, Rizieq Shihab, for spreading hatred and threatening the nation’s integrity.

“Arrest Rizieq Shihab as soon as possible that has spread hatred. The state must also dismantle the radical organization, FPI. We have to prioritize the NKRI, not just think about a certain group or party's intentions," shouted the mass at the rally in the City of Manado.

Stewart Lumempow, one of the participants, said that the act of defending the NKRI is a form of support for the government to disband FPI that is considered threatening Indonesia’s diversity.

One of the initiators of the movement, Wellem Sigar Kumenaung, said that the act is an affirmation that the residents of North Sulawesi love the NKRI. So, if anyone tries to destroy the NKRI, they would have to face the local residents of North Sulawesi.

“NKRI or death. Indonesia is diverse and isn’t only owned by a certain religion or organization,” Kumenaung said.

ISA ANSHAR JUSUF