Police Chief Orders Brimob to Prep Personnel in FPI Areas

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Police Chief Gen. Idham Azis instructed Jakarta Metro Police Chief to prepare Mobile Brigade’s anti-anarchy personnel in areas filled with the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) people. The instruction was noted in a telegram letter No. STR/873/XII/PAM.3.3./2020 dated Dec. 7, 2020. 

“Yes, that’s true. The telegram letter from the National Police Chief signed by his assistant is the National Police’s instruction to the troops to increase vigilance and be prepared in responding to current developments,” said the police spokesman Brig. Gen. Awi Setiyono on Tuesday, Dec. 8.

In the telegram, the police chief issued 11 orders to Metro Police Chief, including to raise an alert and prepare an anti-anarchy team in areas where FPI members often gather.

Idham also expected all officers to wear helmets, bulletproof vests, and be armed. The personnel was also asked to increase the security around the command headquarters, police posts, up to police hospitals, as well as inspect anyone entering the police posts and their vehicles using a metal detector.

“Monitor the development of Sitkamtibmas (public order and security situation) in regions,” he said.

The telegram letter was issued shortly after the alleged clash between the police and FPI members in the KM 50 of Jakarta-Cikampek toll road on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020. In the incident, 6 FPI members were shot dead. 

The police said that Rizieq Shihab's bodyguards were carrying a samurai sword, sickles, and firearms. FPI rebutted the accusation, asserting that its members were attacked by unknown people while escorting Rizieq to a family event.

Read: KontraS Alleges Possible Extrajudicial Killing in the Deaths of FPI Members

M ROSSENO AJI | ANDITA RAHMA