Yogyakarta – Revolutionary groups which attack gambling houses and nightspots in the name of religious beliefs are mushrooming here, causing residents to be increasingly fearful.

There are some 40 new Muslim hardline groups in the sultanate town, including Laskar Saddam Husein, Laskar Hizbullah, Laskar Macan Tamil, the Movement of Ka'ba Youth (GPK), the Anti-Maksiat Movement (GAM), and the Anti-Communist Youth Movement (Gepako). The groups are mostly affiliated to the local branch of the United Development Party (PPP). Ahead of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadhan last year, these groups conducted raids on cafes, nightclubs, bars, gambling spots and other places they branded as an insult to Islamic teachings.

The attacks have continued, although they are now rare. "We have merely tried to execute God's commandments to eradicate prostitution, which the police are reluctant to do," said Yogyakarta Young Mosque Congregations Communication Forum chief Ahmad Yazir. "We cannot avoid using violence to counter student demonstrators and some non-governmental organisation activists who campaign against our religious values."

Many residents have expressed fear at the groups' activities, which include night rallies on motorcades and random raids. Yogyakarta police chief Brigadier-General Saleh Saaf said: "They should simply inform us about gambling spots and other illegal businesses and let us take action. They have no right to carry out the duties of the police," he said.