4/11, 25/11 and 2/12 anti-Ahok demonstrations

[nd_eric_77]

I wonder how much of the radicals' financing is coming from a certain Middle Eastern kingdom...

 

[fastpitch17]

I wonder how much of the radicals' financing is coming from a certain Middle Eastern kingdom...

I doubt any of it. Look at the political parties.

 

[El_Goretto]

I wonder how much of the radicals' financing is coming from a certain Middle Eastern kingdom...

Taken from r/indonesia:

They once started as Pam Swakarsa, but after the downfall of Soeharto's regime, they "rebranded" themselves as FPI because Islamism is much more popular than nationalism among the masses.The military and police created them so that they can shut down events and organizations that they deem suspicious or problematic, without having to deal with due process or potential scandal because there would be no way to link any violence caused by FPI to the authorities. In other words, they're the attack dogs of the Indonesian government.However, somewhere around mid 2005 or 2006, the police no longer have full control like they used to, because the FPI is now sponsored by Islamist organizations like the Muslim Brotherhood and the Saudi Arabian regime. This is the reason why Habib Rizieq can get away by saying things like "Pancasila itu ada di pantat" without any repercussions whatsoever. Also, disbanding them conventionally would be very disastrous, as it would make it very difficult to track the more radical elements of the FPI.Source: A close friend of my family, and a very influential senior officer in the Indonesian police.

Obviously, to be taken with a grain of salt, but Saudi Arabia has come up in many comments I've read about this.

 

[jstar]

.
For those who are interested in reading about sociological shifts and reactions in the Indonesian society: There is quite an interesting book, written (in English) by this in Indonesia born Dutch lady, Katinka van Heeren.

She describes rather detailed the social shifts and counter-reactions on performances, images and movies when they came out in Indonesia. That sounds much more difficult than it is: As example, a controversial movie was released, what were the reactions and what changed in society?

Of course the rise of the FPI, their first actions (protest against the use of an Arab calligraphic symbol by rock band Dewa 19 - see Ahmad Dhani and my post in the Music thread) is described as well. The book is rather specific per special event.

In fact this FPI business is all rather new; they started in 2005. I also recall the leader was 'educated' in Saudi Arabia.

 

[bronze7]

FPI is going to demo this friday

I was informed by wife wife last night of this demo. She told me that her family was concerned it may turn into another 1998 type of situation. As of right now she is going to the city to renew her passport just in case. Anyone else having the same concerns? Or is she over reacting?

 

[fastpitch17]

I doubt any of it. Look at the political parties.

Sorry, I was referring to the scheduled riot to take place on Nov. 4. Overall financing most likely comes from many areas and no doubt the Middle East groups are involved.

 

[Daniel50]

I would say the times are different then events around 1998. The country is in somewhat better shape and a repeat would not be permitted, at this point. I am certainly aware there are fears based on real and perceived threats.

 

[fastpitch17]

I would say the times are different then events around 1998. The country is in somewhat better shape and a repeat would not be permitted, at this point. I am certainly aware there are fears based on real and perceived threats.

This will be nothing like 98. This is to try and force the police to arrest and charge Ahok even though by law, no one can tell the police to arrest anyone and the police have already stated they will investigate. They know that so their attention is first off to make Ahok look bad and that he controls the police. It will come out that he is anti Muslim and therefore not one anyone should want running their city. Second off, it will be a protest against the police and this is where it could get bloody if the police stop letting them get away with whatever they please by standing back. If a police person is attacked, all hell is going to break loose. Police have new/newer leadership in many areas so perhaps things on their end will change.

 

[Jim69]

They should put arm and police on the outer toll gates. Stop bus loads of idiots getting into he city. May have small trouble at the toll gate, but with a limited number of people. Would be much easier to control.

 

[nd_eric_77]

They should put arm and police on the outer toll gates. Stop bus loads of idiots getting into he city. May have small trouble at the toll gate, but with a limited number of people. Would be much easier to control.

That is exactly what I was thinking as I walked back from lunch just now. A protest against the governor of DKI JAKARTA should not be astro-turfed with out-of-towners!

 

[El_Goretto]

Jokowi is meeting Prabowo as Prabowo's house, wonder if it's exclusively to do with this coming Friday, but you can be sure the topic will come up in their conversation at some point.

 

[Scooterindo]

I was in Jakarta throughout the 98 riots and actually witnessed the shootings at Semanggi. I was living in Kemang at that time and didn't feel particularly threatened personally however I was forced to make a few journeys through the city during which I exercised extreme caution/aggression whilst driving.

The problem as with the 98 riots wont come from the head bangers that they will bus in, who will just be there for the day out. The issue will come from local criminal elements looking to capitalize on the overstretched police resources and any chaos caused.
My advice would be simply to stay away from the areas affected by the demo and you'll be fine.

 

[Anglian]

Why would a busy President of Indonesia, visit a retired General, surely it should be the other way round

 

[Anglian]

I was in Jakarta throughout the 98 riots and actually witnessed the shootings at Semanggi. I was living in Kemang at that time and didn't feel particularly threatened personally however I was forced to make a few journeys through the city during which I exercised extreme caution/aggression whilst driving.

The problem as with the 98 riots wont come from the head bangers that they will bus in, who will just be there for the day out. The issue will come from local criminal elements looking to capitalize on the overstretched police resources and any chaos caused.
My advice would be simply to stay away from the areas affected by the demo and you'll be fine.

I lived at Bali View at the time, all the local stores had been ransacked or closed and we need some groceries , so I drove to Kemang where a group escorted me to a store for shopping, there were several groups I passed, all were very friendly and pleased to see that I hadn't fled the country

 

[Euc-]

I was in Jakarta throughout the 98 riots and actually witnessed the shootings at Semanggi. I was living in Kemang at that time and didn't feel particularly threatened personally however I was forced to make a few journeys through the city during which I exercised extreme caution/aggression whilst driving.

The problem as with the 98 riots wont come from the head bangers that they will bus in, who will just be there for the day out. The issue will come from local criminal elements looking to capitalize on the overstretched police resources and any chaos caused.
My advice would be simply to stay away from the areas affected by the demo and you'll be fine.

Care to elaborate on the "exercised extreme aggression whilst driving"? In what way?

 

[jstar]

If I could guess: Stop for nothing or nobody?

 

[fastpitch17]

Why would a busy President of Indonesia, visit a retired General, surely it should be the other way round

Because it is being widely supported that the retired general is bank rolling part of the Jakarta demonstration on the 4th.

 

[Anglian]

Because it is being widely supported that the retired general is bank rolling part of the Jakarta demonstration on the 4th.

Now do we think Prabowo will listen to Jokowi

 

[fastpitch17]

Now do we think Prabowo will listen to Jokowi

Perhaps with a finger pointed right at his nose and a threat of being investigated as a cause of any out of hand riots.

 

[scouser59]

I heard the demo story yesterday from a couple of well connected ex jakartans here in bali , they felt it may be violent and may also spread around java , I cant find any confirmation online, does anyone know different ?