Indra Budiari, Jakarta – Several individuals who were alleged to have played a part in inciting the violence that took place during and after the anti-Ahok rally on Nov. 4 are now facing criminal charges brought by the Jakarta Police.
Following the arrest of five members of the Association of Muslim Students (HMI) by the Jakarta Police for allegedly instigating a riot during the massive rally, authorities are now launching a probe into outspoken lawmaker Fahri Hamzah and rock singer Ahmad Dhani.
On Wednesday, Ronny Talapessy, who claims to represent an organization known the Indonesian Entrepreneur Community, filed a report with the National Police's Criminal Investigation Department against Dhani, alleging that the singer had insulted President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo during the rally.
"If Dhani could get away with insulting the President, people will question the law of this country. It is not good for investments and the economy," Ronny told reporters.
In his speech during the Nov. 4 rally, Dhani lambasted Jokowi for not respecting ulema as he refused to have a meeting with them during the rally. In part of his speech, Dhani used the names of animals when referring to the President, which was considered an insult by Jokowi supporters.
If found guilty, Dhani could be sentenced to between six months and one year in jail.
The move against Dhani and five HMI students was taken after Jokowi instructed the National Police to "exhaust any legal avenues" to prosecute those inciting hatred and violence during the rally.
On Friday, more than 100,000 took to the streets of Jakarta to demand that the police prosecute on-leave Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama for allegedly insulting the Quran. The rally ended in violence after protesters ignored a police order to disperse at 6 p.m.
Bareskrim chief Insp. Gen. Ari Dono said the police were pursuing the "political actors" who were alleged to have masterminded the Nov. 4 rally and had questioned individuals participating in it.
It has been suggested that the police have obtained the names of several people believed to have used the demonstration for their personal gain.Ari, however, declined to give details regarding the matter, saying the investigation was underway.
Dhani was not the only person throwing insults at Jokowi during the rally. House of Representatives deputy speaker Fahri was also accused of making hate-filled comments about Jokowi, on top of calling for his impeachment.
A volunteer group supporting Jokowi, Bara JP, has filed a complaint against Fahri, claiming that his speech during the rally was an act of treason subject to articles 110 and 160 of the Criminal Code (KUHP), which carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment upon conviction.
"In his speech, Fahri said there were two ways an impeachment proceeding could start against Jokowi: through the legislature or through the 'street legislature'. His speech got an enthusiastic response from protesters, who shouted back: 'Impeach Jokowi!'" Bara JP activist Birgaldo Sinaga told reporters on Wednesday.
Both Fahri and Dhani, loyal supporters of Jokowi's rival Prabowo Subianto during the 2014 presidential election, have repeatedly launched criticisms at Jokowi on various occasions.
In the early hours of Tuesday morning, the Jakarta Police apprehended the five HMI members for instigating a riot in front of the State Palace during the rally. The police identified two of the five arrested students as HMI secretary-general Ami Jaya and Ismail Ibrahim, who was allegedly caught on camera attacking a police officer during the rally. The other three have been identified only by their initials: RR, MRD and RM.
Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/10/anti-ahok-