TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Having previously expressed his opposition to the establishment of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) in East Nusa Tenggara, the Provincial Governor Frans Lebu Raya said he is also against the presence of Hizbut Tahirir Indonesia (HTI). Frans rejects HTI to be present in East Nusa Tenggara, saying it is a radical mass organization.

"They (HTI) are here in NTT, and we strongly reject their presence," Frans said in Kupang Monday, May 8.

He said that HTI plans to replace the Pancasila ideology with the Caliphate ruling system.

"Pancasila must not be tinkered with, because this country is needs it. Moreover, Pancasila was born in Ende, East Nusa Tenggara," he said.

The governor said he will make this refusal official, and the provincial government firm stance will be stipulated in a decree. "Today, we will hold a meeting to officially reject the presence of radical mass organizations," he said.

Frans also said he fully support the central government's decision to ban radical organizations from forming.

Alex Ena, member of the East Nusa Tenggara's Regional Legislative Council (DPRD), asks the government to immediately dissolve radical groups in NTT, as their presence threatens religious tolerance.

Today, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs said that the government has decided to disban HTI.

YOHANES SEO