TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Chairman of the Great Indonesia Movement (Gerindra) faction at the Jakarta Legislative Council (DPRD DKI Jakarta) said it would be difficult to dismiss the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) as all mass organizations were protected by the law.

"It cannot be easily disbanded because only the Home Affairs Ministry can do it,” Taufik said on Monday, October 6, 2014.

Taufik explained one should fathom all there was to know about mass organizations before suggesting to dismiss it. Taufik’s statement was in response to Deputy Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama’s intent on disbanding FPI.

Taufik has also rejected the disbandment of the hard-line Muslim group, claiming that FPI had solid grounds to protest Ahok’s ascent to the capital’s top post. Commenting on the recent FPI rally in front of the DPRD Jakarta complex that turned chaotic, Taufik said anarchy was not allowed but “it happened for a reason.”

Taufik claimed Ahok had issued a string of decisions viewed as against Muslim rules, including barring the sales of sacrificial animals at public facilities. He also suggested Ahok consult with related parties prior to making a decision.

“Talk to the experts, especially when it concerns religious rituals. This [the policy] is hurting all Muslims,” he said.

PUTRI ADITYOWATI