Mahfud Md: Govt Officially Bans FPI

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud Md announced today, Dec. 30, that the government has officially banned and disbanded the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI).

“The government will announce the mass organization status of FPI,” said Mahfud at a press conference on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020.

In this press conference, Mahfud was accompanied by a number of ministers and heads of institutions, including the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) Head Budi Gunawan, Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian, and Law and Human Rights Minister Yasonna Laoly.

Mahfud explained that since June 21, 2019, the FPI had de jure disbanded as a mass organization. However, they still carried out activities that violate the law and public order, such as enticing provocation and conducting sweeping operations.

“In accordance with the law and the Constitutional Court’s ruling, the government prohibits FPI activities and will stop any activities carried out by FPI,” said Mahfud, adding that the organization had no legal standing.

Mahfud Md reiterated that the ban of FPI was signed by six ministerial-level state officials, namely Home Affairs Minister, Communications and Information (Kominfo) Minister, Law and Human Rights Minister, National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) Head, National Police Chief, and the Attorney General.

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EGI ADYATAMA