Even Though It Has Changed Its Name, FPI's Activities Will Still Be Prohibited

The decline in the FPI's attribute after the government said the use of FPI's attributes and symbols was prohibited. (Diah Ayu Wardani / VOI)

JAKARTa - The Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) declared a change in the name of the organization to Islamic United Front, on December 30, 2020. This identity change was in the aftermath of the government's ban on all activities of the Islamic Defenders Front.

There are at least 19 people who claim to declare the Islamic United Front. Among them are FPI Chairman Ahmad Sabri Lubis and General Secretary Munarman.

Meanwhile, other names are Abu Fihir Alattas, Abdurrahman Anwar, Abdul Qadir, Awit Mashuri, Haris Ubaidillah, Idrus Al Habsyi, Idrus Hasan, Ali Alattas, Ali Alattas, I Tuankota Basalamah, Syafiq Alaydrus, Baharuzaman, Amir Ortega, Syahroji, Waluyo, Joko, and M. Luthfi.

"To all administrators, members and sympathizers of the Islamic Defenders Front throughout Indonesia and abroad, to avoid unnecessary matters and clashes with wrongdoing regimes, we hereby declare the Islamic United Front to continue the struggle to defend religion, nation and state accordingly. with Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution, "wrote the official statement of the Islamic United Front received by VOI, Wednesday, December 30.

However, 6 days later or on January 5, the name of the community organization (ormas) was changed again. The Islamic United Front was changed to the Islamic Brotherhood Front.

Former Deputy General Secretary of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) Aziz Yanuar said the change in identity was based on various considerations.

This organization will be declared in the near future.

"The Islamic Defenders Front has passed. Now, it's time for the Islamic Brotherhood Front. God willing, this week we will launch it," said Aziz.

"It has not been confirmed in the AD / ART. So, the matter of name can still be compromised. What was confirmed yesterday was only the new vessel," he continued.

Aziz said the name Islamic Brotherhood Front was a direct suggestion from Rizieq Shihab. The name is considered cooler and humanist.

In addition, the Islamic Brotherhood Front will have new attributes and logos that are different from the Islamic Defenders Front. Then, there is a possibility that the management structure will be different from that of the Islamic Defenders Front.

"Regarding the management, all have a chance. Later, the clear structure will be announced later in the near future," said Aziz.

A number of parties responded to the name change, including the National Police. Through, the Head of Public Relations Division of the National Police, Inspector General Argo Yuwono, said that anyone without exception is allowed to form an organization. But still have to follow the existing rules.

"All citizens are allowed to carry out an activity or establish an organization," said Argo.

"Of course there are many existing rules, which already exist. In the Indonesian government there are rules," he continued.

Added, Karo Penmas, Public Relations Division of the Police, Brigadier General Rusdi Hartono, said that his party would dissolve all FPI activities. Disbandment is carried out if the organization is not officially registered. Because, there are clear rules about it.

"If the new FPI model, whatever the name is, it turns out that it does not register or does not follow the applicable regulations, it means that here there is authority from the government to be able to prohibit and be able to dissolve it because it does not register its organization with the applicable law," said Rusdi.

Ormas that do not register according to the applicable regulations can be considered as organizations not recognized by the state.

"It should follow the rules that apply if it is a mass organization, of course if it wants to be recognized as a mass organization, it is adjusted to the law on norms," he said.