TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Novel Bamukmin, chairman of the advisory council at the Jakarta branch of the Islamic Defender Front (FPI), alleged that the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Youth Wing (Banser) intended to attack FPI Jakarta chairman Buya Majid's residence on Tuesday, April 18, 2017.
Novel claimed that Banser had help from a group of thugs. Novel explained that the incident started when the organization named Advokat Cinta Tanah Air (ACTA) investigated an allegation of staple food distribution at NU volunteers chairperson Ita Rahmawati’s house on Monday, April 17, 2017.
When ACTA team came to Ita's house, Novel explained, Ita, who is a supporter of incumbent Jakarta Gubernatorial candidate pair Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, also known as Ahok and Djarot Saiful Hidayat, expressed an objection and provoked residents in the neighborhood.
"Ita expressed an objection for being investigated and provoked [residents]. We stepped back," Novel told Tempo on Tuesday, April 18, 2017.
On Monday evening, Novel said, a group of women came to Ita's house. One of them stepped out of the house while carrying a plastic bag.
"We managed to tape the woman who carried a plastic bag. We can't confirm what was in it," Novel added. "Inside the cars, we found food packages and new prayer rugs."
On Tuesday, April 18, 2017, at 1:00 AM Western Indonesia Time, residents of Kramat Lontar reported that Banser and thugs were heading to Buya Majid's house, which is located not far from Ita's house. According to Novel, Buya Majid saw many people gathering when he was returning home from an event.
"They retreated, but then more people coming. We couldn't just sit there," Novel explained.
FPI members at the scene were involved in fistfights against Banser and the thugs. Novel deplored police’s sluggish response to the incident.
Police personnel from the Central Jakarta Precinct Police arrived at the scene and disperse the mobs.
"Not one police officer came to stop them, although the Central Jakarta Precinct Police is located near the Buya Majid's house," Novel said.
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