FPI Rizieq Give Govt an Ultimatum: Reconciliation or Revolution

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) Great Imam Rizieq Syihab has given the government an ultimatum: to start reconciliation process or face revolution. He said that the ultimatum issuance does not necessarily mean that he has given up on his fight but to show his courage as an ulema to implement the spirit to defend Islam.

“The implementation of the spirit of 411 and 212 [rallies against former Jakarta governor Ahok dubbed ‘Act to Defend Islam’] that always offers dialogue and peace to all,” Rizieq Syihab said in a voice recording published by FPI spokesman Slamet Maarif yesterday.

Read: Police Place Rizieq Shihab on Most Wanted List

However, Rizieq requires the government to drop charges against ulemas and activists, in his own words: the criminalization of ulemas and activists. He also demands stoppage of blasphemy against any religion.

Rizieq Syihab said that reconciliation would not be possible if the spread of communism, liberalism and any other ideologies does not stop.

Read: Police Confirm Authenticity of Images in Chats of Rizieq, Firza

Otherwise, Rizieq said the government will face a revolution to achieve national reconciliation for the unity of Indonesia. “The people of Indonesia will have no choice other than to start a revolution.”

Earlier, the National Movement to Safeguard the Indonesian Ulema Council Edict (GNPF MUI) met President Joko Widodo on Eid Day to discuss Rizieq’s case, among others.

GNPF MUI chairman Bachtiar Nasir said to the President that the police are criminalizing ulemas, including by naming Rizieq Syihab as a suspect. Bachtiar and Rizieq had also met Vice President Jusuf Kalla at his office and official residence. They discussed alleged criminalization against Rizieq Syihab.

DIKO OKTARA