Jakarta – Indonesia's second largest Islamic organization Muhammadiyah has spoken out against the rioting and violence that gripped Central and West Jakarta on Tuesday night and Wednesday, calling it the act of "irresponsible anarchists".

"We express our concern and our strong condemnation of the riots that occurred on May 21 to 22 by anarchist rioters, separate from protesters, that led to casualties," Muhammadiyah chairman Haedar Nashir said in a statement on Thursday. "This tragedy must be investigated and resolved completely according to prevailing laws."

He said that he acknowledged the move from the Prabowo Subianto-Sandiaga Uno presidential ticket to file a petition to the Constitutional Court to dispute the election result, which the General Election Commission (KPU) announced in favor of the Joko "Jokowi" Widodo-Ma'ruf Amin ticket.

"The campaign team, supporters and all parties involved should prioritize statesmanlike politics so that the whole democratic process can end well and in a constitutional manner," he said.

He also called on security forces and protesters alike to show restraint and refrain from violence.

"We also ask the public, especially Muhammadiyah members, to not be influenced by information and messages that cannot be verified by putting forward a critical, peaceful, wise and mature attitude, together with an effort to work together with all parties for the nation's harmony, advancement and unity," he said. (kmt)

Source: https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2019/05/23/muhammadiyah-condemns-post-election-riots.html