Friski Riana, Jakarta – Former National Armed Forces (TNI) commander Gatot Nurmantyo in Thursday's virtual seminar stated that it would be impossible for the military to be enemies with the controversial mass-organization Islam Defenders Front (FPI) and its leader Rizieq Shihab.
"Both the FPI and habib Rizieq, they are Indonesian citizens that are protected by the law and are legal," said Gatot Nurmantyo on Thursday, November 26.
His statement comes as a direct response to the mass-takedowns of illegally-established billboards depicting Rizieq Shihab that was done by the Jakarta Military Command (Kodam Jaya) under the direct order of its commander or Pangdam Jaya.
"So please separate between the actions of Pangdam Jaya that does not represent the TNI in its entirety," said Gatot Nurmantyo.
The former TNI commander opined that FPI would only be considered an enemy if the organization is officially classified as a far-right group, which is banned by Indonesian law.