Violence in The Name of Religion on June 1, 2008 in Monas, Jakarta (Indonesia)

Atrocities against Women 1 (Oming)

2009-12-20T18:18:00.000-08:00

Atrocities against Women 1 (Victim Oming Suffers from Permanent Brain Injury)

Atrocities against Women 2

2009-12-20T18:16:00.000-08:00

Atrocities against Women 2 (VIctim Istiqomah abused in the Court Room with the Judges and Policemen Watching)

Extremists Attack Peaceful Demonstrators in Jakarta

2008-07-24T02:55:00.000-07:00

Extremists Attack Peaceful Demonstrators in Jakarta, Indonesia; A Statement from Robert L. Salas with Information from Anand Krishna, Anand Ashram Foundation, Indonesia, a United Nations NGO

JAKARTA, Indonesia, July 23 /PRNewswire/ -- On June 1, at the National Monument in the central district of Jakarta, Indonesia, an event took place that was little noticed by the world press but could have major implications for world politics and the international "War on Terror." During a peaceful rally by dozens of organizations representing people from various religions in celebration of Pancasila, the Indonesian concept of embracing all religious beliefs in their society, the crowd was attacked by a mob of some 200 club-wielding Islamic extremists. As a result of this attack, dozens of demonstrators were injured, some seriously injured. The attackers are considered to be members of the Islam Defenders Front (FPI), one of a growing number of extremist groups who are now resorting to violent means in their attempt to institute a radical form of Islam in the country to the exclusion of other religions.
There are some disturbing facts surrounding this violence. First, the attackers seemed to be allowed to organize themselves with their weapons in plain view of the police who had been assigned for crowd control. Second, there were only a few of the attackers who were arrested who are currently facing prosecution. In addition, two government Ministers have announced their support for some of the attackers and have called for their immediate release without further investigation. This stance stems from the fact that there was a recent joint ministerial decree by the Home Minister, the Minister of Religious Affairs, and the Attorney General which permits criminal prosecution for "spreading interpretations and activities which deviate from the principal teachings of Islam." Apparently, that decree accommodates the use of mob vigilante violence, as demonstrated by this event.

Understandably, the June 1 incident has come to the attention and the concern of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). The USCIRF is an official U.S. Commission associated with the U.S. State Department and provides policy recommendations to the President, Secretary of State and the Congress. On June 11, the USCIRF issued a recommendation that calls on the U.S. government to urge President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to reverse the ministerial decree and prosecute anyone using violence to intimidate any religious minority in Indonesia.

These recent events have major implications because Indonesia is a country of nearly 300 million people, most of whom practice the Islamic faith. It has become a prime target for Islamic extremists. If they were to gain a strong foothold in Indonesia, as they seem to be attempting, the battle against such extremists worldwide would become exponentially more difficult.

For further information, contact: Mr. Anand Krishna at ashram@anandkrishna.org in Indonesia or Mr. Robert Salas at rsalas@ojai.net in the U.S.

The release also posted on the sites below :

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Greetings from Indonesia

2008-07-16T08:38:00.000-07:00

From Jill Townsend (Ex Hollywood Artist and Model) – She wrote and sent this letter herself to KBRI in America and others important address in Europe and US.

Dear

I is a great distress for me to write this letter. I struggle to do so. All of Indonesia became a hero to me in the 1960’s when a series of meetings took place over a six month period that resulted in brilliant The Manila Accord and ASEAN.

Since then I, and many others, have held Indonesia and the others that signed this Accord with great esteem. The process used to reach this agreement was creative and, in many diplomatic circles, put forward as an example for other conflicts in the Middle East, Southern Africa, the South Atlantic and beyond. The process allowed for each country’s representative to express their fears and aspirations without interruption; from there they progressed to exploring possibilities while still not negotiating. Negotiation was held off until a vision of what the future could look like was seen by all. Then began a gentle search through Socratic dialogue for agreement. And only then did the negotiations begin, ensuring success since at this point every country knew where a great future lay. Your future lay in respect for your differences and every country’s agreement was to protect this diversity when threatened. For years I have spoken of this Accord as an example of how we should ALL work towards peace: with respect for each other and the determination to support the differences between us. I have held this country as the world’s guiding light for peace. Please tell us this is not lost now. Please write me that this ‘shining light’ that I have held up for so many years has NOT descended into hatred and violence.

I have read of the violence from 200 extremists/radicals on June 1st on your peace loving citizens – people who gathered to celebrate the peace and diversity you are so famous for honoring. This aggression against innocent people has shocked and saddened me. Now I understand that out of 50 held by police, only 7 remain in custody, and due to political pressure from 2 of your ministers, the case is moving at a very slow pace. Does this represent an unwillingness to defend peace and diversity? It is your country that taught me that the greatest teaching, written or spoken, of any prophet or holy person is the way of peace. Peace is truly a way of being that is allowed by all and not made by a few.

I await a reply and am hopeful that our beloved Indonesia will come back to being the country that leads the world in respecting the peace and diversity of all.

Yours truly,

K. Jill Townsend
The Council of Grandmothers, Ojai, California
Deputy Director (RET.), The Foundation for International Conciliation, Geneva, Switzerland

Ministers support FPI

2008-07-13T21:04:00.000-07:00

Permit me to draw your attention to my first desperate call for help last month. I am compelled to write to you again on this matter, since the situation has worsened.

Two of our ministers have issued public statements supporting the chairman of the Islam Defenders Front (FPI), Habib Rizieq and his organization.

They are those in charge of co-operatives and forestry. These ministers represent two different political parties, supporting the government.

Indeed there are a couple of such other parties. So far, however, they have been supporting from behind the scenes.

Such support definitely has political implications, and has weakened the thrust of police investigations (into the attack by FPI members at the National Monument (Monas) park in early June.

One of the ministers, in a recent statement, made an appeal for the release of Rizieq and to declare his organization not guilty.

Right now, only seven out of more than 50 suspects originally detained are still in custody.

I once again make an appeal to the world community to help us in this matter. In view of the latest happenings in the Philippines and Pakistan, if these radicals are not punished, then not only this region, but the entire world will become their playground.

ANAND KRISHNA
Jakarta

The Jakarta Post | Sat, 07/12/2008 11:41 AM | Opinion

A Desperate Call for Help - II

2008-07-02T19:58:00.000-07:00

Anand Krishna*

--------- Indonesia, July 3rd 2008 ---------

To: The Heads of United Nations’ Member States, andThe Distinguished Members of the World Community

Permit me to draw your attention to my first desperate call for help dated 11^th June, 2008. I am compelled to write you again regarding this matter, since the situation has worsened.

Two of our ministers have issued public statements supporting the notorious Rizieq and his gang. They are: Mr. Ali, the Minister in charge of co-operatives and small scale industries, and Mr. Kaban, the Minister in charge of forestry. These two ministers represent two different political parties (Religion based, in this case Islam), supporting the government. Indeed there are a couple of such other parties, in support of the radicals. So far however, they have been supporting from behind the scene.

Such statements definitely have political implication, and have weakened the spirit of investigation of the Police Department.

Mr. Ali, in his recent statement, made an appeal for the release of Riziek and to declare his gang not guilty. Right now, only 7 out of more than 50 suspects originally detained are still in custody.

I once again make an appeal to World Community to help us in this matter. In view of the latest happenings in Philippines and Pakistan – if these radicals are not punished, then not only this region, but the entire world shall become their playground.

Please help us……

Anand Krishna

See Also... A Desperate Call for Help - I

Response 1:

“We will help! We will write the letters. And PLEASE stay safe!!!! If you are NOT safe - come back to your home in Ojai, California! Love, Compassion, Kindness, Joy and Inner Peace are your birthright - share them generously with all life and you will experience heaven on earth, as will all you touch.

-- Jill Townsend, Chairperson Council of Grandmothers, Ojai Chapter

Response 2:

From: Marilyn Salas
Sent: Thursday, July 03, 2008 11:56 PM
To: Konsulat Jenderal RI di L.A. Calif. Amerika Serikat
Dr. R.M. Marty M. Natalegawa – Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the United Nations
Trie Edie Mulyani – Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in New York, the United States
And to various news media and agencies in the United States

Cc: foreign@nytimes.com; info@ap.org; washington@nytimes.com; rachel.meranus@prnewswire.com (dan masih banyak media yang lain)
Subject: Violent Act Against Peace Demonstrators in Jakarta, Indonesia on 1 June 2008

Dear Honorable Subijaksono Sujono,

My heart is heavy that I even feel so compelled to write this letter...

I have known the writer of the attached letters (Part I and Part II), Anand Krishna, since 1993. Anand Krishna ("Krishna"), as you may know, is a very well-known spiritual leader and peace advocate in Indonesia. I met Anand Krishna while my husband, Robert Salas, and I were living in Indonesia in the early 1990's. We were attached to the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta for two years. (Robert worked for the Federal Aviation Administration at that time, and his job was assisting the Indonesian government with an aircraft project.) First, I must say, we loved Indonesia...we loved the people of Indonesia, as well as their rich and diverse cultures! We have had regular communication with Krishna since that time, and Krishna has also visited us here in our home in Ojai, located in Southern California. To say the least, we have maintained a strong and enduring friendship over these many years!

I am writing to you to bring to your attention a reported horrific act of intolerance, brutality, and violence directed against peace-loving citizens of Indonesia by 200 Muslim extremists and radicals. My husband and I were both shocked beyond words about this June 1st incident of aggression and bodily harm, which was inflicted on innocent people who were gathered only to celebrate peace and diversity, which is a tenant in your country's Pancasila. And, to go further, this incident apparently is not being handled with the appropriate justice in prosecuting these criminals that is truly deserved.

I ask you to read the attached letters written by Krishna for the details of the June 1st, 2008 incident in Jakarta. I plead with you to please do what you can...whatever is in your power to see that rightful and deserving justice be brought to pay for this life-threatening attack....that those responsible for these brutal acts remain in prison, and be judged by your courts...and to insure that future peaceful demonstrations have sufficient police protection. I am very, very concerned that my friend Anand Krishna, his Ashram friends, and other peace leaders and demonstrators, will be targets again for these criminal forces of intolerance and harm....I am extremely concerned for their safety!

I strongly appeal to you to do whatever you can to see that sacred justice be served, to take steps to insure that innocent people be protected, and that their rights as citizens of Indonesia allow them to practice their belief system (either publically or privately)...whatever that belief may be...that these basic human rights be protected! The cherished freedom of belief for all individuals in the diverse segments of societies and cultures around the world, including the right to assemble in peaceful ways, needs to be honored in every country of the world....let Indonesia be the model for the world in supporting and protecting these basic human rights...upholding the dignity for each individual...upholding the dignity for all of humanity!

Most sincerely,

Marilyn Salas
Ph: 805.640.7101
Ojai, California

USA

Response 3:

From: Robert Salas

(Attached to the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta for two years in the 90s, Robert worked for the Federal Aviation Administration at that time, and his job was assisting the Indonesian government with an aircraft project.)

Subject: June 1 Incident

Krishna:

I am writing to express my deep sympathies for the intolerable attacks on your people on June 1 and to re-affirm our support to the cause of insuring that the world public knows of the deteriorating human rights situation in Indonesia. Please let us know your ideas on how we can help. Marilyn and I will be meeting with Carl and Jill in the coming week to discuss possibilities. In advance of that meeting, please keep us informed of your latest efforts and the response of the government and any particular details that we should know.

Carl and I spoke briefly about this and we are of the opinion that you might consider going to your ashram in Bali for better safety considerations. Please consider that possibility.

I agree with your stance to object publicly and vigorously about the injustices of the incident. With regard to the political-religious aspect of the attempt by some radical groups to bring a radical form of fundamentalist Islam to Indonesia, of course I would not like to see that happen to your country. However, right now, as you know better than I, Islamic fundamentalism is being promoted and supported in many parts of the world. This is a war for hearts and minds. I have no doubt that these radical groups in Indonesia are intent on transforming your government by force, if necessary, and have the backing of outside forces. The question is, who in your government is seriously opposing them and who are supporting. You also have to consider the ugly aspect of the corruption/seduction of government officials. You also need to consider which media outlets have the courage to oppose this. Also, what does the Islamic leadership have to say? In other words, who are the good guys and who are the bad guys? As history in other parts of the world will attest, this is a messy and dangerous business.

Peace, my friend
Robert

Letter: Open letter to Rizieq, Munarman

2008-07-02T19:52:00.002-07:00

May peace be upon both of you.

I hope I am not crossing the line when I say I hope that peace is upon both of you. Because I know first hand that you both have no peace within yourselves. And how do I know? From the Monas tragedy on June 1.

I witnessed the tragedy with my own eyes, in fact I was one of the victims with severe injuries myself. The attack was led by Munarman, as well as a group led by Habib Rizieq. The tragedy caused myself and several of my brothers and sisters to be badly injured. Physical wounds may heal, mental trauma can also be handled with therapy. But the way I see it, it is both of you that are hurting badly.

I have never seen such hatred and anger in a human. And I can't imagine what burden you have had to carry all this time. Your hatred, your anger and the violence that follows can eat you alive. After all you have violated the rights of other citizens in the name of a religion, which may spark national disintegration. It was also an insult to Pancasila and the Constitution.

But I still appreciate both of you as Indonesians. You cannot deny it with any reason -- both of you, I and other survivors are brothers and sisters, we are Indonesians. We live on this land, we have the same bond, the same memory of this country.

Although we were born into different family religious backgrounds. You were born into a Muslim family and I was born into a Hindu family. You are men and I am a woman. I believe there is one thing we have in common, which is that we are Indonesians.

The thing is that differences are inevitable, they are a certainty. There is nothing you can possibly do to eliminate it, including the existence of sects in a religion.

Pancasila, with its "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" (Unity in Diversity) slogan, is what unites this country. Our country consists of thousands of islands, many different tribes, races and religions, that have been united for many years by Pancasila. Again, this is not something you can deny. The question is, why are you so scared of it? If I am not mistaken, differences are a blessing from God, according to your Koran, right?

Therefore, I suggest you start to find some peace in yourselves. Manage your hatred and your anger in healthier ways, such as singing and dancing. I guarantee, you will find beauty everywhere. And you will find the beauty in difference, which previously always fired you up. Oh, by the way, if you are finished with yourselves, do not forget to spread it among your group. Indonesia will be much better off without hatred.

NYOMAN AISANYA WIBHUTI - Yogyakarta

Mon, 06/30/2008 10:49 AM | Reader's Forum
Source -> www.thejakartapost.com

Eye Witness (Nino Graciano )

2008-06-27T11:11:00.001-07:00

Text of This Video, Presenter and The Victim (Nino Graciano)

Almost a week has passed since Battalion of Islam Commando’s attack on the National Alliance for Freedom of Religious Beliefs’ Peace Rally. Up until now, the victims are still being treated physically and psychologically.

No one can deny that the supposed-to Peace and cultural Rally held by the National Alliance for Freedom of Religious Belief had become a tragedy. The rally just started when a mob calling themselves Battalion of Islam Commando came and attacked the National Alliance’s gathering.

One of the victims was Nino Graciano, a family member of Indonesia’s first President…
The 31 year old man was not expected that his initial intention to attend the Celebration of Pancasila’s birth turned into a violent incidence.

Nino: From a far they walked toward us and we politely gave way to them. Suddenly they surrounded us while we hadn’t even started our activities, such as checking sound system, and they attacked us. My friends and I feel as if our nation was attacked and assaulted.

The attack on Nino and his friends was stopped after police came. However, Nino has suffered many injuries on many parts of his body and a slight concussion. ….

Nino: It’s painful. We wanted to have a peace rally, a cultural demonstration celebrating Pancasila’s birthday, a carnival, suddenly we were assaulted. I don’t know, maybe the pain would take a long time to heal.

Nino and the rests are hoping that this kind of incident would not happen again, a mob trying to force its perspective by using violence. Differences in a nation should be handled wisely and not by violent acts.

Indonesia, the Ahmadiyya and radical Islam

2008-06-17T21:12:00.000-07:00

Listen Now - 18062008 |Download Audio - 18062008

Radical Islam in Indonesia is on the march, and the religious pluralism enshrined in the doctrine of Pancasila is coming under direct attack. Last week the Indonesian government has issued a joint ministerial decree telling the heretical Muslim Ahmadiyya movement to 'stop spreading interpretations and activities' which deviate from orthodox Islam. That decree has implications for other minorities as well, including liberal and reformist Muslims, and the moderate Wahid Institute (named for former president Abdurrahman Wahid) says the country is on the brink of becoming an Islamic state.

More...

Provoke People Killing Each Other

2008-06-16T20:43:00.000-07:00

This is a Video in Indonesian Language to provoke people killing each other in the name of Religion. With this thing, our police and government still not doing anything. They have being hostage by those radicals.

A Desperate Call for Help

2008-06-16T20:32:00.000-07:00

Anand Krishna*
--------- Indonesia, June 11^th 2008 ---------

To:

- The Heads of United Nations’ Member States, and
- The Distinguished Members of the World Community

It is with much regret, and a deep sense of shame, that I write this about the atrocities in my country against the religious minorities. I am compelled to address the World Community, since my appeals to my own Government officials have bore no result whatsoever.

In recent years, the Muslim radicals and extremists here in Indonesia have gained more power and energy, largely due to the weakness of our own state. Our present government is backed by several parties; and, many of them are clearly in favor of those radicals and extremists.

These radicals and extremists are not only intolerant toward the beliefs of the minority groups, but also against the somewhat secular ideology of the state and its very, very tolerant constitution.

Indonesia is a country with the largest Muslim population in the world; a large number of Muslims in this country are tolerant…indeed, many are moderate. However, they are not as vocal as the handful of radicals we now see perpetrating violence against the peace-loving people in Indonesia, inflicting physical and emotional harm, and causing law-abiding Indonesians undue fear for the loss of their basic rights for personal health, well-being, and safety.

Unfortunately, these radicals have been created by several political parties for their own political motives. Such practices – politics without principles – have given them much energy. Now, they have turned into monsters!

On the 1^st of June 2008, my friends and colleagues from the National Integration Movement, and the Anand Ashram Foundation (affiliated with United Nations through Department of Public Information), joined the National Alliance for Freedom of Religious Beliefs in their Peace Rally and Campaign against Violence.

We were there with our musical instruments and equipments to sing, dance, and pass our message in a dignified, humane, and non-violent way.

As we entered the grounds where the National Monument is located (in Central Jakarta), we were brutally attacked by these radicals. More than 80 of us were wounded - many seriously. One of our youngsters now suffers from permanent brain damage.

The Police came, albeit a bit late – after these criminals did their job of violence. Not one of them was arrested on the spot. The Police Department would later justify this by stating that any arrest on the spot would have created riots. However….that is the way it was…..

A few days later, after much pressure from the public and the media – one of the radicals who was admittedly responsible for these brutal attacks, injuring many, along with several of his gang, was arrested. (His name is Habib Riziek, and he is the most notorious of the radicals, and the head of a radical group named Front Pembela Islam, the Defenders of Islam). Another man, Munarman, who publicly announced that he was responsible for the June 1^st incident, the self-acclaimed Commander of all Islamic Lasykars (Battalions), went “missing”.

Later, Munarman sent a video recording of his demands from his place of hiding, and I quote: “the minority sect Ahamdiyah must be banned”…..and then went on to say that only then would he give in to the police. True to what he said, and naturally, he is now being presented as a hero by those very radicals. He walked into the police office, and had himself arrested after the government issued a joint letter (signed by three ministers) summoning the sect to stop all their activities.

Now, thousands of their supporters, these very radicals can hold any kind of a rally…and campaign for just about anything in support of their detained mentors, and ask for their release.

Presently, all of us who bombarded the media…and the government officials…with thousands of appeals and petitions for their arrest – now live in a state of fear. If any one of these arrested radicals are released, then we all know that we will be attacked by them!

To make things worse, some of our ministers and high officials are openly supporting these radicals. In fact, one of the ministers (Minister of Co-operatives and Small Scale Industries, who also happened to be the head of one of the political parties supporting the present government) visited Riziek in jail; as did a cleric who is head of the Islamic group NU.

I therefore urge you to appeal to my government in Indonesia to take a strong stand on this issue. The culprits, Riziek and Munarman must be sentenced! There is plenty of good evidence and compelling proof, with which the Police Department, the Attorney General, and the Court could make use of in supporting a solid case in the prosecution of these criminals. Several of these materials have already been given to the Police Department.

Increasing radicalism in this country will definitely affect the security of the entire world. It is, therefore, in the interest of the world community that, not only these two men, but also their supporters, be immediately arrested. The evidence is plentiful…and it is only the political will on the part of our government that is now required.

I am sure Excellencies, I shall not be disappointed….. God Willing, Amen….

*Spiritual Activist, author of more than 110 books (www.anandkrishna.org, www.aumkar.org, www.californiabali.org)

Defending Our National Ideology, Pancasila (The Five Principles)

2008-06-14T22:11:00.001-07:00

Today was the 63rd anniversary of our National Ideology , Pancasila. Commemorating the occasion, at 1 PM Jakarta time, we (Alliance of Freedom for Religions, which includes also International Conference on Religion and Peace, National Integration Movement , Wahid Institute and about 50 more NGOs) gathered at the National Monument of Jakarta, to start a peaceful long march towards the Bundaran Hotel Indonesia.

When we were just arriving at the briefing spot, suddenly we were attacked by about 200 people dressed in white robes using weapons like bamboo sticks with nails on it and large stones, and hot sand. Since we were gathering in a circle, we were easy target for them. Looking at the weapons that were used, they were well prepared to attack us.

Based on some eyewitness, apparently HTI (Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia) which has been acclaiming themselves as Non Violence Group who loves peace, was involved in the action. Moreover , Munarman, one of the leaders of HTI was spotted at the scene.

This violent action was done so abruptly, they were even attacking women, elders and children.

Some of us also saw a little child being smashed to a wall by some of the radicals.

Since our action is a peaceful one, none of our people reacted to the violence, but that didn’t stop them.

The brutality kept going on and they also attacked some street hawkers, and everyone who happened to be on their way.

Some of our friends were wounded, mostly got stitches in their heads, amongst them are Joehannes (NIM Secretary), Imdad (ICRP Secretary), Nino (NIM’s Public Relation). Some of them are still hospitalized, like.

Ahmad Taher from Ahmadiyah (can’t move because badly injured), Aisanya Wibuthi from NIM (got Oedema Cerebry), and Guntur from JIL (Islamic Liberal Society) who’s under surgery due to nose fracture.

Indonesia is a country with so many cultures and religions, has been for many centuries, and the only thing to bind this big country is Pancasila. This is our solution for unity, founded by our founding fathers, President Soekarno and his friends in 1945. Therefore, any attempt against this ideology, is illegal in front of the law.

The violent action shown by FPI (Front of Islamic Defenders) today, is purely criminal and can be categorized as an attempt against Pancasila. By hiding behind religion sentiment, they have truly humiliated the name of Islam, and they have no right to claim themselves as representatives of this peaceful loving religion.

Contact Person:
Maya Safira Muchtar
President of National Integration Movement
Kompleks Ruko Golden Fatmawati Block J-35
Jakarta – Indonesia
Email: mayamuchtar@yahoo.com
nim@nationalintegrationmovement.org

Victims fear FPI attack might be eclipsed by Ahmadiyah issue

2008-06-14T21:36:00.001-07:00

Dicky Christanto , The Jakarta Post , Denpasar | Sat, 06/14/2008 11:07 AM | National

Victims of the June 1 National Monument (Monas) attack have said demands for the Ahmadiyah sect to be banned are part of a systematic attempt to deflect public attention away from the violence that took place.

Nino Graciano, a rights activist who was assaulted by members of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) during the ambush, said the move against Ahmadiyah would only serve to conceal the real issue.

Photo taken from Detik.com

"People will forget the brutal violence and accept the motives behind the attack," Nino said.

He was among five members of the National Integration Movement (NIM) and students of several universities in Denpasar who were beaten by FPI members while participating in a peaceful rally to support freedom of religion.

Another victim, Nyoman Aisanya Wibhuti, or Oming, said the attackers targeted not only Ahmadiyah followers taking part in the rally, but also other demonstrators.

"I told them (the attackers) I am a Hindu, but they kept beating me," Oming recalled.

She sustained a head injury, which she said might cause permanent brain damage.

Nino said he was afraid the mounting calls for Ahmadiyah to be banned could lead to the facts about the attack being buried and provide reasons to free the attackers.

"The government should be firm in dealing with the attack by saying what happened was a sudden assault on people who were holding a peaceful rally. Therefore, transparent investigation is needed and maximum punishments must be given to the attackers," he said.

The police have arrested nine people in connection to the Monas violence.

NIM president Maya Safira Muchtar said the NGO activists had received threats in the forms of phone calls and text messages before and after the attack, but she said the group would not bow to the intimidation.

"We do not intend to spread hatred against the FPI or other hard-line groups, but our message is that we need real actions to preserve national unity," she said.

Since the joint decree restricting the activities of Ahmadiyah followers was issued, many have demanded the Islamic sect, which the government deems to be "deviant", be banned.

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/node/171914

Atrocities of The Radicals in The Name of Religion

2008-06-08T23:30:00.000-07:00

Jakarta, June 1st 2008
Printed by National Alliance for the Freedom of Faith and Religion (AKKBB)

The brutality which done by The Islam Defenders Front (FPI) and their troops, Munarman as their leaders.

This is NOT Islam. This is a pure violence which insult Islam itself.

If they are not punish and their leaders are not responsible about what they are doing, this country (Indonesia) will be doom.

We are not Ahmadiyah, we are the citizen of Indonesia.

Forget "Anna and Antum", remember on "Me and You" - we are Indonesian People.

Where is the heart of the party and the institution based on religion ? Where is their voice? Why don't they curse those criminals and their organization and their commander, and force the government punish to death to whom disturb the constitution of our country and preambule and which not respect the right of every citizen in this country.

Another Story from the Monas Incident

2008-06-08T23:28:00.000-07:00

Sunday, the 1st June of 2008 is just a fine sunny day until about 13.30 pm. I was to be an eye-witness of a bloody event that now has opened many people eyes in Indonesia about how dangerous religious fanaticism is. At that time a horrid violence happened at the “heart” of Jakarta, The National Monument or as it is called “Monas”.

I am a member of NIM (National Integration Movement). On that day, NIM joined AKKBB ( Aliansi Kebangsaan untuk Kebebasan Beragama dan Berkeyakinan or National Ally for The Freedom of Religion and Faith ), a group consisted of many peoples from several NGOs, to celebrate the birthday of Pancasila, the essence of heritage wisdom and culture of our nation, Indonesia. They planned to have a long march from Monas to Bunderan HI (the large fountain next to the Indonesian Hotel). After had gathered themselves in a while under the pole of Monas, in a distance there came a bunch of men.

We recognize them as the FPI or Front Pembela Islam. It literally means “The Defender Front of Islam” but in fact it is just a group of our ignorant youngster made by the radicals and hardliners of the fanatic religious factions in our society. They have a long bad track record for doing violence and use religion as a mean to justify their act. They do not represent the True Islam that is tender and peace-loving.

Off they went to us, and the situation is getting tenser. The field coordinator of AKKBB ordered us to sit down in hope that the situation would be cooling down and as a sign that we would not do any harm to them. Yet they kept marching on to us, and suddenly beat all of us with bamboo sticks of 3-4 meters long. The situation got into panic and the people of AKKBB scampered in fear. Many of them were women and there were also children. Some of them were stuck in the corner and being beaten repeatedly for several times. Some others got surrounded by 3-5 person and being awfully beaten and brought to the ground. Their heads shed blood in front of their sons and beloved ones.

As if that was not enough, they burned our posters and damaged the truck and sound systems that we were about to use before the incident. “Allahu Akbar…Allahu Akbar…(Great is God)” they cried while doing that without even realizing that they had done something miserable and brought disgrace to the noble face of Islam. Many of AKKBB are Moslem too, yet they are suffering from the injury caused by the FPI. What a shame on them.

Me myself, I got beaten once on the back of my head by a bamboo stick and received a kick on my stomach. It was good for me that I was quite all right so I could help women and children to get escape from the FPI across the fence. Many other friends got more serious and severe head injury as it could be seen in television and recordings.

Now the media and press have uncovered the FPI action on the field. I long for support from everyone caring for the future of a better Indonesia. We shall speak up. Our idleness has let fanaticism grow stronger. We must raise our voice at once.

Love, Peace, and Harmony.

oleh Janfrional Hutabarat

To United Nations

2008-06-08T00:57:00.000-07:00

National Alliance for the Freedom of Faith & Religion

To : United Nations

Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights

We would like to share our views on the conflicts in the name of Religion happening in Indonesia.

This is not the question of RELIGION, whereas, it's the matter of OUR RIGHTS, OUR FREEDOM, AND MOST OF ALL, OUR NATION..!!!

The Islam Defenders Front (FPI) attacked activists of National Alliance for the Freedom of Faith and Religion (AKKBB) on Sunday 6/1, at the National Monument (Monas) in Jakarta, Indonesia. Activists from the AKKBB were rallying on peace demonstrations to commemorate the 63rd year of Pancasila, state ideology. The group from FPI came in hundreds with stones, sticks and
attacked our brothers and sisters of the nation in public. Due to which many injured and hospitalized. These include inhabitants from all faith/belief/religion. Very surprisingly NO police action was taken on the spot!

Our nation is bound by the law of constitution and is not a country that supports violent acts. Indonesia is a lawful state not an anarchic state. We are not to be defeated by these violent actions.

We strongly condemn the attackers that caused injuries to our brothers and sisters. This violent and coward act will only impact to tarnish our country's civilization.

We request all souls from all nations to extend your support in writing and expressing your views to the Indonesian government to suspend this group from Mother Earth.

Save the World. Peace for all..

Prashant
Jakarta, Indonesia

Photos

2008-06-07T22:05:00.000-07:00

On Sunday 6/1, at the National Monument (Monas) in Jakarta, Indonesia, Activists from the AKKBB were rallying on peace demonstrations to commemorate the 63rd year of Pancasila, state ideology.

The group from FPI came in hundreds with stones, sticks and attacked our brothers and sisters of the nation in public.

Due to which many injured and hospitalized. These include inhabitants from all faith/belief/religion. Very surprisingly NO police action was taken on the spot!

One of the victim report to the Police.

We strongly condemn the attackers that caused injuries to our brothers and sisters. This violent and coward act will only impact to tarnish our country's civilization.

We request all souls from all nations to extend your support in writing and expressing your views to the Indonesian government to suspend this group from Mother Earth.

Save the World. Peace for all..