TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Terrorism expert Mardigu Wowiek said that the Islamic Defender Front (FPI) had the same ideology as radical terrorist groups in Indonesia. For example, FPI is arrogant and self-righteous. “They hate other religions, same as terrorists,” Mardigu told Tempo on Wednesday.

Another similarity is FPI likes to solve problems using their own way which tends to be anarchic. They act as though they ignore the law that applies in Indonesia. “The difference with terrorists is that FPI has no desire to cause chaos in Indonesia,” he said.

Based on those similarities, Mardigu continued that there are relations between radical terrorist group with the FPI. He said FPI is a safe gathering place for people with radical views because if they join a terrorist group, they will be at risk with the police.

Controversy on FPI reemerged after they protested against Ahok as the governor of the Jakarta government because Ahok is of Chinese descent and a Christian. Their last protest ended in riots.

Because of the incident, Ahok sent a recommendation letter to disband FPI last Monday to the Home Affairs Ministry and the Justice and Human Rights Ministry. The letter contains four points why FPI has to be disbanded. Among them are FPI often carry out anarchic actions, spreads hatred and disrupts the inauguration of governor and causes traffic congestion, which violates the constitution.

INDRA WIJAYA