TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Police will investigate the alleged insult against the Indonesian national flag that was hoisted during the rally held by Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) in front of Indonesian Police Headquarters in Jakarta on Monday, January 16, 2017.

“We're investigating who were the perpetrator and the mastermind,” said Police Chief Gen. Tito Karnavian on Wednesday, January 18, 2017.

Treating a state symbol, including the national Red and White flag, is regulated by the laws, Tito said. A national flag should not be treated carelessly, such as vandalizing the flag by writing a certain message.

“It’s prohibited to raise a damaged flag. There’s a one-year prison sentence for anyone who violates [the law],” Tito said.

He promised that the case would be seriously handled. The rally coordinator will also be asked for clarification. Tito also urged the perpetrator(s) to reveal themselves. “Don’t apologize at the end; act like you don't know when you obviously knew it,” he said.

Based on a video that went viral through social media, the red and white flag was vandalized with an Arabic writing and image of two swords during the FPI rally. The flag was waved when the protestors were singing the national anthem.

EGI ADYATAMA