FPI Denies Attack on GMBI Offices in Bogor
Jakarta. The Islamic Defenders Front, or FPI, has denied that any of its members were involved in the attack on the offices of the Indonesian Underground Society Movement, or GMBI, in Ciampea near Bogor, West Java, on Friday morning (13/01).
"There were no orders to attack and set fire to the offices of the GMBI secretariat. They [the alleged perpetrators] were all sympathizers who acted spontaneously based on their support for our leader, Rizieq Shihab," Burhanudin, leader of the Bogor-Cibinong branch of the FPI, said on Friday.
A mediation session was held following the attack, attended by Bogor Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. A.M. Dicky, Bogor military district commander Lt. Col. Dwi Bima Nurahmat and Ahmad Mukri Aji, leader of the Bogor branch of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI).
During the meeting, Burhanudin said his members were triggered by various acts of provocation. He also questioned the presence of the GMBI during questioning by the Bogor Police.
"Once again, there were no instructions to do any damage. They just acted spontaneously after being provoked by reports," Burhanudin said.
The mediation session resulted in several agreements, among them a joint statement by both parties deploring the incident, as well as an undertaking that there would be no more disputes between the Bogor branches of the FPI and GMBI.
"We will act firmly if there is any retaliation or actions to worsen the situation," Dicky said. He added that the two organizations should refrain from provocation and maintain order and security.
Tags: Keywords: