TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Police (Polri) officially stated that the controversy surrounding the video showing Banser NU members burning a flag with Arabic writings on it is actually the flag of Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI), an illegal and recently dismantled mass-organization.
The Police Spokesman Insp. Gen. Setyo Wasisto said that it was based on police’s interrogation of three witnesses to the case.
“Temporary testimonies state that three men were apprehended by Garut police. The men burnt an HTI flag that has been deemed illegal by the Law,” said Setyo at the MUI headquarter in Central Jakarta, today, Oct. 23.
Read: Public Asked to be Wise to Respond Tawheed Flag Burning
Setyo further urged the public to be patient and give police time to conduct their investigation. He also guaranteed that police will work on the case professionally.
The video in question was believed to be recorded during the National Santri Day in a public park in Garut, West Java. The two-minute video shows several members of Banser carrying and burning a black flag that has an Arabic “Tauhid” written on it, the celebration was believed to be misperceived by members of the public.
Read: Police Investigate 3 Witnesses on Tauhid Flag Burning in Garut
Police reminded the public to not be provoked by the incident since the information surrounding the incident is still incomplete. The West Java police have synergized their efforts with Ulama figures and the Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI) upon handling the sensitive case.
ANDITA RAHMA