... We are afraid an FPI presence will disturb the local community's peace because this organization often engages in activity that creates unrest in the community...Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan (ANTARA News) - Thousands of Dayak tribal people here Saturday gathered in a rally at Palangka Raya's Besar Roundabout to reject an FPI (Islam Defenders' Front) presence in the city.
A similar demonstration also took place at Cilik Riwut airport against the arrival of FPI founder Habib Rizieq to lead a tablig akbar (mass prayer service) in Palangka Raya.
The Dayak Customary Council meanwhile had sent a letter to the Central Kalimantan police headquarters requesting the latter to ban the opening of an FPI branch in the province.
"We are afraid an FPI presence will disturb the local community's peace because this organization often engages in activity that creates unrest in the community whereas inter-faith relations in Central kalimantan have always been harmonious," a Council spokesman said.
The Council had asked the police not issue a permit for the holding of a function where the executive board of FPI's regional chapter would be installed in Central Kalimantan
has always enjoyed harmonious community and interfaith relations and the Council did not want this condition to be disrupted by an FPI presence.
Meanwhile, the rally at Cilk Riwut airport was also attended by thousands of people who from time to time broke up in convoys that circled around the airport and the house of Habib Muhri on Jalan Meranti where they torched a tent where the executive board of FPI`s Central Kalimantan chapter wast to be installed.
Part of the crowds also rode in a convoy around the residence of Palangka Raya Mayor Riban Satia although he happened to be out of town
Although the rallies caused the local situation to heat up for some time,the general security and order conditions remained conducive and under the police's conctrol. (HAJM)
Editor: Ade P Marboen
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
