Indonesia: Ahmadiyah communities targeted in dead-of-night attacks

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An Ahmadiyah elder in Cipakat, Argadiraksa, said all the glass in his home and at the Ahmadiyah mosque were shattered. Televisions and home furnishings were also damaged.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: Khabar Southeast Asia
By Yenny Herawati | May 11, 2013

Mobs even burned a copy of the Qur'an as they raged against the minority sect in Indonesia.

Members of the Islamic Defender's Front (FPI) were likely responsible for motorcycle mob attacks on two Ahmadiyah communities in Tasikmalaya, West Java on May 5th, police say.

At about 1am, gangs attacked Wanasigra village in Tenjowaringin town, damaging houses and a madrassa. Fortunately, there were no injuries in the incident.

"They were about 200-300 people," Dodi Kurniwan, a spokesman for the local Ahmadiyah community, told Khabar Southeast Asia, describing the attackers.

The mob burst into the village and went straight for its mosque, he said. Finding its gate locked, they began attacking nearby homes and a madrassa located about 50m from the gate.

"They pelted the glass in every house they passed," Dodi said. About 20 homes were damaged. The attack lasted about 10 to 15 minutes, he said. At the time, some 20 police officers who had provided security for Qur'an recitation at the mosque on Saturday evening, were still on duty.

The officers, however, were unable to prevent the attack, but kept local residents away from the mob to prevent a clash.

"We tried to keep the Ahmadiyah followers far from the mob, but some of the attackers threw rocks," said Tasikmalaya Police Chief Widjanarko. He pledged a full investigation into the incident.

Qur'an torched

From there, the mob apparently traveled to another Ahmadiyah community, in Cipakat town, in the Singaparna district, arriving around 3:30am.

"A mass of hundreds of people, riding motorcycles. At the time, I was on patrol. My mother was at home by herself," said Asep Rahmat Ali, a local resident whose home was damaged.

Upon arriving, the group spread out, targeting the Ahmadiyah mosque and homes, breaking glass. They attempted to burn the mosque, scorching several carpets.

"Even the Qur'an was set on fire, but only its front cover burned," Asep said. He later discovered that the electrical cable supplying his house had been cut during the incident.

An Ahmadiyah elder in Cipakat, Argadiraksa, said all the glass in his home and at the Ahmadiyah mosque were shattered. Televisions and home furnishings were also damaged.

"Much of our furniture is damaged. It's very worrying and makes us uneasy," he said.

FPI behind the attacks

Widjanarko, the Tasikmalaya Police Chief, indicated that the Islamic Defender's Front (Forum Pembela Islam/FPI) is likely responsible for the attacks. Eye-witnesses identified a few symbols used by FPI followers, he said.

"We do not want to take action against a particular group, but we will take action against those involved in this violence," he added.

He indicated that the mob members were not solely from Tasikmalaya. "Many eyewitnesses told us that the vehicles they used had various city number plates including Bandung, Cirebon, and many other regions outside Tasikmalaya," he said.

Meanwhile, some charge that provincial leaders have abetted the FPI's harassment and are pressuring Ahmadiyah members to change their religious beliefs.

Just days before he won a second five-year term in February, West Java Governor Ahmad Heryawan signed a deal with FPI in which he agreed to implement a ban of the Ahmadiyah and generally "maintain an Islamic environment" if re-elected, BeritaSatu reported.

These developments sadden some residents.

Muhammad Marsudi, a 57-year-old Islamic cleric in Tangerang, West Java, said he regrets witnessing another attack on Ahmadiyah in the region.

"Until we can extend respect and understanding, similar threats and attacks will continue to happen," he told Khabar with obvious disappointment.

"We would like to encourage all Muslims, please do remember, regardless of their beliefs, they are also Muslims and we should respect their decision," he said.

"I suggested to all Muslims, please stay away from any possible hatred being spread by irresponsible parties. Islam will only teach you love and tolerance. The attacks on the Ahmadiyah mosques are not a reflection of Islam," he told Khabar.

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