THE CIKEUSIK INCIDENT, 6 FEBRUARY 2011
The incident of Cikeusik in Banten Province, Indonesia on 6 February 2011, in which three members of the Ahmadiyya community has died and five others are seriously injured, is intolerable, against the law and widely condemned in Indonesia, including by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
The incident is the result of extremism carried out by minority radical groups and not at all represents the general attitude of the majority of Indonesian Muslims.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has instructed a thorough and comprehensive investigation to bring those who were responsible to justice.
Statements of concern and condemnation regarding the attacks have also been issued by many other parties in Indonesia such as the Parliament, social and religious leaders, NGOs and political parties, including Islamic parties (as attached).
Concrete measures are being done on the ground as well by all levels of authorities. For example, the Chief of National Police has taken stern measures by relieving high-ranking officers responsible for police under-performance on the day of the incident.
In addition, the Police will also improve its response mechanism, coordination, training and intelligence to provide better strategy for prevention and protection for members of the public, including all minorities.
As of 18 February 2011, Indonesia’s National Police has arrested 8 people involved in the incident of Cikeusik and subsequently named them as suspects. The investigation and legal process are still ongoing and the Government is determined to ensure that the masterminds and perpetrators of such heinous crime shall bear the full force of the Law.
