Jakarta – Dozens of supporters of the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) almost came to blows with a group of students in Pontianak, West Kalimantan over a banner rejecting the establishment of the FPI in the province.

The FPI supporters protested against the banner and asked the students to take it down. The police, who were already on the scene, were able to prevent violence breaking out. The police asked representatives from both sides to meet and discuss the issue.

West Kalimantan Police spokesman Adj. Sr. Comr. Mukson Munandar said on Thursday night that they were expecting backup from the National Police headquarters and the Central Java Police headquarters to prepare for any eventuality.

"We are waiting for mobile brigade personnel to help us contain the situation here," Mukson said as quoted by tempo.co. The backup was expected to arrive in the town on Friday.

The dispute between the students and FPI sympathizers followed an incident last month when four FPI leaders were barred from entering Palangkaraya, the capital of Central Kalimantan, by thousands of locals. The locals argued that they did not want the FPI to open a branch in their town. (dic)