Another step forward in the breakdown of civil society in Indonesia. Groups like the Islamic Defender Front (FPI) create chaos and insecurity and then present Sharia as the “only” solution to the problem of their own making. It is the only solution, in any event, that they will accept. Peace can only come through Sharia, they claim, and they are hell bent on making sure of that.
And when the FPI gets away with behavior like this, they will try it again elsewhere. “FPI Tries to Break Into Alcohol Shop,” from Antara, June 5 (thanks to Twostellas):
Garut. About 500 members of the hard-line Islamic Defenders Front attempted to force their way into a shop selling alcohol in Garut district, West Java, over the weekend.
“Our target is [to limit] the spread of alcohol and prostitution in Garut,” said Roni Fatahilah, a field coordinator for the group known as the FPI.
Police officers were ready at the scene, and were able to prevent demonstrators from breaking down the door of the shop, Ek Bouw, which was closed.
The FPI demanded that the shop be shut down, or its license canceled.
Sr. Adj. Comr. Irfan, from the Garut Police, said officers would convey the FPI”s demands to the government, as only the regional administration had the authority to cancel the license.