Indonesia: Islamic groups protest in Jakarta July 28

Event

Media sources reported that thousands of people marched through the streets of Jakarta on Friday, July 28, to oppose a recent government decree. The protesters gathered at the Istiqlal Mosque before moving to the National Monument. Former members of the now disbanded Hizbut Tahrir Indoneisa (HTI) Islamic organization led the protest along with members of other Islamic groups including the hardline Islamic Defenders Front (FPI). Additional demonstrations may occur in the coming weeks.

Context

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo signed a government regulation in lieu of law (Perppu) on July 10. Perppu makes it easier for the government to ban organizations that are accused of threatening Indonesia’s national unity or identity. On July 19, HTI was ordered to disband after the government accused the group of promoting the creation of an Islamic caliphate.

HTI was involved in mass protests in April 2017 against Jakarta’s now jailed Christian governor Busuki "Ahok" Purnama. Unlike the Islamic Defenders Front, another hardline Islamist group, HTI is not known for violence. However, HTI supports a caliphate under sharia law, a legal code based on the Quran and other Islamic scripture, as the official law of the land in the country. Indonesia is home to a large population of hardline Muslims, who have proved to be intolerant of any perceived disrespect to their religion, undermining the nation’s reputation for practicing a moderate form of Islam.

Advice

Individuals present in Jakarta are advised to avoid demonstrations and public gatherings, to anticipate a significant security presence and transportation disruptions in the vicinity of all rallies, and to follow any instructions issued by local authorities.

More generally, due to the heightened threat of terrorism in Indonesia, remain vigilant when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.).