Indonesia: Hardline Islamist group disbanded on July 19

Event

Indonesia banned the hardline Islamist Hizbut Tahrir (HTI) group on Wednesday, July 19, using authority granted by a decree signed last week by President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo that gives the government nearly unfettered power to ban organizations deemed threatening to national identity and unity. The government asserts that HTI contravened the Pancasila state ideology – based on social justice and democracy – as it promotes an Islamic caliphate.

HTI announced their intention to challenge the decision at the Constitutional Court. Demonstrations by hardline Islamist supporters are possible, particularly in the capital Jakarta, in the coming days.

Context

HTI was involved in mass protests in April 2017 against Jakarta’s now jailed Christian governor Busuki "Ahok" Purnama. Unlike the Islamic Defenders Front, another hardline Islamist group, HTI is not known for violence. However, HTI supports a caliphate under sharia law, a legal code based on the Quran and other Islamic scripture, as the official law of the land in the country. Indonesia is home to a large population of hardline Muslims, who have proved to be intolerant of any perceived disrespect to their religion, undermining the nation’s reputation for practicing a moderate form of Islam.

Advice

All those present in Indonesia are advised to maintain a low profile and to avoid sharing sensitive or controversial information online. More generally, due to the heightened threat of terrorism in Indonesia, remain vigilant when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.).