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Jakarta, (ANTARA News) - Former president Abdurrahman Wahid or popularly known as Gus Dur has thanked President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono for the arrest of Islam Defenders` Front (FPI leader Habib Rizieq Shihab.

"And I will be more grateful if FPI is dissolved," Gus Dur said at a press conference here on Thursday.

Also present at the press conference were Rev Nugroho Tjahjadi, Romo (Father) Beny Susetyo, Wahid Institute Director Ahmad Suaedy, and Demos (Center for Democracy and Human Rights Studies) Director Asmara Nababan.

Gus Dur said he had so far called for the dissolution of FPI because the organization had often violated regulations and even the Constitution.

"If the government does not want to dissolve the FPI, we will do it. The government is not the only party that can take action," Gus Dur said.

Meanwhile, Asmara Nababan welcomed the arrest of the FPI activists, although it was a bit late.

Nababan hoped the police would do more, by not only arresting FPI members but also dissolving the organization.

"It`s time for the police to demonstrate that they do not tolerate violence, and are professionals in enforcing the law," he said.

Nababan also said the legal article on hiding fugitive used to accuse Rizieq was too mild. He said the police should accuse Rizieq of asking others to commit criminal acts.

Meanwhile, Romo Beny Susetyo said now was the time for the Indonesian government to show the international world that Indonesia respected human rights, upheld the Constitution, and did not bow to violence.

Habib Rizieq and six FPI members were named suspects and arrested by the Jakarta Police for Sunday`s incident at the National Monument (Monas) in central Jakarta.

FPI members attacked activists of the National Alliance for Freedom of Religion and Faith (AKKBB), a supporter of Ahmadiyah which Muslims consider to be a deviant sect.

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