Jakarta – The Jakarta Police arrested five Islamic Student Association (HMI) members early on Tuesday in connection with an attack on police officers during a massive rally in Jakarta on Nov.4.
The police identified one of the five HMI members arrested as Ismail Ibrahim, who was allegedly caught on camera attacking a police officer during the rally.
"He [Ismail Ibrahim] was arrested at the residence of a Regional Representatives Council [DPD] member, Basri Salama, in Pejaten, South Jakarta," Jakarta Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Awi Setiyono said as quoted by kompas.com in Jakarta on Tuesday.
He said Ismail had been living at Basri's house since 2015 as they were both from the same hometown. "He moved to Basri's house in 2015 because he could not afford to pay his boarding house. Basri offered him a place in his house because they are both from Tidore," said Awi.
The four others arrested comprise HMI general secretary Amy Jaya Halim and three HMI members, identified only by their initials, RR, MRD and RM.
Awi said the police had arrested the five HMI members for suspected involvement in rioting following the massive rally. They are all undergoing intensive questioning at the Jakarta Police headquarters.
Thousands of members and sympathizers of several Islamic organizations participated in the Nov.4 rally calling for the prosecution of Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama for alleged blasphemy.
Although the rally itself was peaceful, after it officially ended protesters clashed with police who fired tear gas in response. One protester is reported to have died following an asthma attack during the incident. (ebf)