Flag Burning an Isolated Case, Not Politically Motivated
23 October 2018 21:28 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko asked the public not to associate the recent flag burning incident in Garut to the Indonesian government or the 2019 presidential election. He maintained that it is an isolated case between two groups.
“This incident is between two groups, there is no government's involvement in it,” said Moeldoko at the State Secretary headquarters in Jakarta today, Oct. 23.
Read: Jusuf Kalla Hands HTI Flag Burning Case to Authorities
Moeldoko said that he felt the need to voice his concern to avoid having the issue dragged into the political realm. “This is a local incident that was done by two organizations. That’s it,” said the former Indonesian Armed Forces Commander.
Moeldoko also called for people to avoid misleading the public and using the moment to link it with the government or the presidential election.
Read: Police Investigate 3 Witnesses on Tauhid Flag Burning in Garut
Controversy ensued after a two-minute video showed Banser NU members burning a flag with Arabic writings on it that is believed to actually be the flag of Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI), an illegal and recently dismantled mass-organization.
BUDIARTI UTAMI PUTRI | ANDITA RAHMA