The Indonesian Council of Ulema say they have reminded the hard-line Islamic Defenders Front not to resort to violence and intimidation but say they have no authority to take action against such groups.

Amidhan, chairman of the council, also known as MUI, said they had committed to being a "big tent."

"MUI is the umbrella for all mass organizations from the most moderate to the most extreme," Amidhan said during a news conference after a meeting with Vice President Boediono at the Vice Presidential Palace on Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan on Thursday.

He made the statement when asked about an alleged raid by a group of people identified as the Islamic Ummah Forum, which was allegedly backed by the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), on a health care discussion sponsored by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) in Banyuwangi, East Java, last week.

Amidhan said they had reminded the FPI not to commit violent acts and urged the police to investigate who was behind the Banyuwangi incident. "Extreme or moderate groups are under our care but when they violate the law, it's up to the authorities to take action," he said.