The Indonesian government is considering suspending the FPI (Front Pembela Islam - Islamic Defenders Front) for its attack on activists at the National Monument in Jakarta last Sunday. Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law and Security Widodo AdiSucipto said the government was looking at a 1985 law that allows for the suspension of a mass organization.

“We should not only see this problem as a violent action, but as something that may tarnish our country’s civilization,” Widodo was quoted by major newspaper The Jakarta Post. “We are now conducting strict legal processes in this case,” he added. Widodo said President Yudhoyono had ordered an investigation of the organization that ambushed activists from the National Alliance for the Freedom of Faith and Religion (AKKBB), who were rallying to commemorate the birth of Pancasila (the state ideology) 63 years ago.

“We should put this problem within the context that every mass organization must be in line with the 1985 law,” said Widodo. Under the 1985 law, the government can freeze the central board of a mass organization if it commits an act harmful to order and security, receives foreign assistance without government consent or support foreign parties that could act counter to national interests.