Nala Edwin, Jakarta – Thugs usually have tattoos and look scary. But one particular kind of thug is different. They wear robes and make people anxious. It is because of this that scores of housewives are calling on the national police to eliminate them.

The demand was taken up by some 60 people from the Anti-Terrorism Social Forum (FMA) during an action at the national police headquarters on Jl. Jalan Trunojoyo in South Jakarta on Tuesday April 10. The majority of participants were housewives wearing veils as well as a number of young people. “We are asking that Indonesia be cleansed of robed thugs”, said action coordinator Husen Hashem.

The protesters also called on the police to continue legal proceedings against the perpetrators of violence in the name of religion such as the violence committed by the Islamic Defenders Militia (FPI) against members of the National Liberation Party of Unity (Papernas) on March 29.

“We appeal to the public not to get involved with organisations that use religion and its symbols for political interests”, said Hashem who claimed not to be a member of Papernas.

The demonstrators also brought posters with messages such as “Cleans the Republic of Indonesia from robed thugs”, “Disband the FPI” and “The people need food not Islamic law”. The also brought photographs of Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Ba’asyir on which were the written words, “Who want’s to be led by Ba’asyir” and “Danger – Bush and Ba’asyir”. (aan/nrl)

[Translated by James Balowski.]