"Until now, nearly 900 (banners) in Jakarta (have been removed), and the residents too helped to put them down," the military commander stated here on Monday.
The operation to remove the banners was conducted by joint officers of the TNI (Indonesian Defense Forces), Polri (Indonesian Police), and Satpol PP (public order enforcers) since the locations of those banners were inappropriate and violated public order, Abdurachman stated.
The operation to remove those banners had also been conducted in the last two months.
"Since the last two months, the TNI, Polri, and Satpol PP have conducted this campaign (for removing the banners). Initially, the Satpol PP had been deployed (to do the task), but the FPI demanded that the banners be raised again. Who are they? In fact, the organization of the government is clear. How can they be afraid of them?" the major general questioned.
Abdurachman affirmed that the operation on removal of banners in Jakarta was not only applicable to those displaying Habib Rizieq Shihab's pictures but also to other illegal banners.
"We take down the posters, not only (those of) Rizieq Shihab but also other posters. We have removed the illegal ones," according to the military commander, who on Nov 22, 2020, said that if necessary, the FPI must be dissolved.
Head of Information for the Jaya Regional Military Command (Kodam Jaya), Lieutenant Colonel Arh Herwin Budi Saputra affirmed that the banners displaying the images of Shihab were viewed as being provocative.
"What is wrong with Indonesia that there is 'revolusi akhlak' (moral revolution). It contains provocation," he stated while referring to Shihab's call for “revolusi akhlak.”
Efforts to remove banners portraying Shihab were also undertaken in several other regions outside Jakarta, including East Java Province.
"The Pangdam (Regional Military Commanders) and Kapolda (Provincial Police Chiefs) are working in synergy for this. This is for the country. The Pangdam said that those that aim to disrupt stability will be dealt with together," he stated. Related news: Police should avoid excessive approach to secure FPI leader's return
Related news: Habib Rizieq's return is a right deserving protection: Mahfud MD
Translator: Andi Firdaus, Fardah
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2020
