Bekasi – The Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) held its 3rd National Conference (Munas) at the Wisma Haji building in Bekasi, West Java, between Thursday and Saturday, August 22-24. Conference participants discussed broadening the organisation’s social role and continuing to defend the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
“For us NKRI (the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia) is non-negotiable. We do not want to establish a [new] state. We are ready to defend the Indonesian state and make war on anyone who undermines the state”, said Islamic Defenders Force (LPI, affiliated with the FPI) General for Life Maman Suryadi during a break in the conference on Friday afternoon.
The FPI Munas, with the theme “NKRI under Islamic law”, was opened by Religious Affairs Minister Agama Suryadharma [from this Islamic based United Development Party, PPP – JB] on Thursday evening. Around 2,000 people attended the Munas. They including representatives from the central, regional and branch executive boards throughout Indonesia. Over three days, they discussed a number of themes in commissions and plenary meetings, and made several recommendations.
Suryadi revealed that the FPI will continue to struggle for the values of Islamic law in the frame work of NKRI. The organisation will continue to respect state law but is also seeking to bring tough Islamic law into effect. Corruptors for example, must be sentenced to death.
Speaking separately, the chairperson of the FPI’s Greater Bekasi Regional Executive Board (DPW) Murhali Barda said that Islamic law is in a sense a social order of life that is just, secure, affluent and prosperous. These ideals should be realised within NKRI however up until now, this dream have yet to be achieved.
Soft approach
In his greetings at the conference opening, Ali said he hoped that the FPI would play an active role in fighting poverty in ignorance. He warned and reminded participants that Islamic teachings emphasise an approach that is peaceful, soft and pleasing and is a bringer of calm. The Islamic struggle seeks to provide ideals that are good and positive for religion in Indonesia.
Congress participants welcomed this appeal. Mahfud, the chairperson of the Pandegang regency DPW in Banten, said that the principle of amar makruf nahi mungkar (to maintain what is right and forbid what is wrong) needs to be carried out by the correct means.
As part of the FPI’s 15th anniversary, the FPI is preparing to hold a white convoy through Jakarta on Sunday. Around 10,000 will people depart from the FPI’s secretariat at Petamburan, Central Jakarta, and travel through several parts of the city. (IAM/K06)
Notes
NKRI: Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia, the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. A term which is often used in the context of nationalism and the desire to maintain the integrity of the Indonesian nation state.
[Organisasi Kemasyarakatan: FPI Siap Memerangi Perongrong NKRI – Kompas. Sabtu, 24 Agustus 2013. Translated by James Balowski.]
