Ramdhan Muhaimin, Jakarta – Former President Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) has condemned the attack on the National Liberation Party of Unity (Papernas) by the Islamic Defenders Militia (LPI) which is affiliated with the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI).

“If in this case the government just stays quiet it will be extremely dangerous for the future life of the nation. I am asking for Pak Sutanto (National Police Chief General Sutanto) to [act] firmly”, said Gus Dur who was wearing a brown batik shirt.

Gus Dur conveyed this when answering journalists’ questions at the offices of the Nahdlatul Ulama’s Central Board on Jl. Kramat Raya in Central Jakarta on Friday March 30.

Gus Dur said that the attack, which took place yesterday in the Dukuh Atas area of Jl. Sudirman was an unconstitutional act. “The FPI’s actions against a political party that was to declare itself yesterday was unconstitutional”, said the former president. (nik/nrl)

[Translated by James Balowski.]