There are plenty of extremist groups in Indonesia, but none so infamous as the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI). In the past they have tried to “defend” Islam from such threats as condoms, gays and lesbians, beer in minimarkets, and the elderly survivors of Indonesia’s 1965 mass killings.
The latest ridiculous issue that FPI has decided to take a stand on are the uniforms worn by the members of the Paskibra (flag raising team) in Banten province, because it contains two lines – one horizontal and one vertical – that intersect in the middle.
In other words, the uniforms contain… a cross.
FPI Banten denounced these uniforms as a form of “Christianization” effort on the part of the government and claimed the uniforms were disturbing the people of Banten.
“Based on the reports of citizens, FPI Serang today investigated the Paskibraka uniforms with cross motif.”
“The news that Paskibraka Banten members were wearing uniforms with the cross pattern has been troubling the people of Banten. This news even went viral on social media.”
FPI Banten members went to “investigate” by showing up at the offices of the Banten Youth and Sports Ministry (Dispora) on Tuesday and force them to apologize for the uniforms.
The head of Dispora Banten, Ali Fadila, said they had no ulterior motive in the design of the uniforms.
“(Ali Fadila) took an oath in the presence of FPI and shore that had no intention to make a cross on the jacket,” said Ustadz Nasehudin, the chairman of the FPI Serang, as quoted by Netralitas.
In the end, FPI said the sports minister apologized for his “mistake” and agreed to remove the cross bearing jackets from circulation.
However, an employee of the Sports Ministry who wished to remain anonymous told Netralitas that the apology had only come after FPI threatened to bring more men to their offices and warned there would be “no peace” if the uniforms were not done away with.
Once again, FPI has bullied others into getting their close-minded, extremist agenda enacted. And, once again, the government will do nothing to prevent them from doing so again.
