GOI CRACKS DOWN ON EXTREMIST GROUP

C O N F I D E N T I A L JAKARTA 001093 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP, EAP/MTS, EAP/MLS, DRL/AWH, DRL/IRF NSC FOR E. PHU E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/04/2018 TAGS: PGOV PREL KIRF KISL ID SUBJECT: GOI CRACKS DOWN ON EXTREMIST GROUP REF: JAKARTA 1076 AND PREVIOUS Classified By: Pol/C Joseph Legend Novak, reasons 1.4(b+d). ¶1. (U) This message was coordinated with Consulate General Surabaya. ¶2. (C) SUMMARY: On June 4, Indonesian police arrested between 80-100 members of the extremist group responsible for an attack on a peaceful demonstration in Jakarta on June 1. Several members of the Islamic Defender's Front (FPI) leadership--who are wanted by the police--remain at large. There have been more anti-FPI protests. There was quite a public outcry about the June 1 attack and it is positive that the GOI has taken steps to arrest the perpetrators. END SUMMARY. ¶3. (C) ARRESTS: Police sources confirmed to Mission that four companies of the Indonesian Police Mobile Brigade (BRIMOB) raided the headquarters of the Islamic Defender's Front (FPI) in Jakarta the morning of June 4, arresting between 80-100 suspects in the June 1 attack. (Note: During the June 1 attack, dozens of peaceful, "pro-pluralism demonstrators were beaten by FPI members. Seven rally-goers are still hospitalized--see reftels.) ¶4. (C) The suspects were transported to police headquarters and are currently being interrogated by police. Suspects face possible charges of assault, security disturbance and related charges. FPI headquarters in Jakarta reportedly has been sealed off. FPI Chief Habib Rizieq Shihab has been detained for questioning at police headquarters. Ten suspects remain at large, among them notorious militant leader Munarman (one name only). ¶5. (C) MORE PROTESTS: Protests have continued throughout Indonesia since the attack occurred. Hundreds of members of the National Awakening Party (PKB),one of Indonesia's larger political parties, reportedly marched to the home of local FPI Chief Habib Abu Bakar, in Jember, East Java on June 3. Police allowed four representatives to enter his home where they allegedly persuaded Abu Bakar to sign a statement agreeing to apologize to the victims, apologize to former Indonesian president and PKB leader Abdurrahman Wahid (co-organizer of the June 1 pro-pluralism demonstration),and dissolve the local branch of the FPI immediately. Jember FPI spokesperson said that the local FPI branch was merely a representative of the larger organization and that they were dissolving themselves voluntarily. Similar actions have taken place in West Java and Central Java. ¶6. (C) POSITIVE STEP: There was quite a public outcry about the June 1 attack with the Indonesian government netting significant flak for not taking steps against FPI right away. It is positive, however, that the GOI has moved in a significant way and that should tamp down on some of the criticism. As noted, there have been various protests around the country and more turbulence is possible. The June 1 incident was quite shocking to many Indonesians and tempers remain high. HEFFERN