News, Articles & Reviews

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The government cannot be forced by any party to make any decision because it abides by the existing legal system, presidential spokesman Andi Malarangeng said at the presidential palace here on Thursday.

He made the remark to comment on a written statement and video tape recording issued by the Islam Legion Commander Munarman in the electronic media.

"The government`s task is only to uphold the law. It is impossible for a person to threaten the government in this law-abiding country because the government cannot be held hostage," Malarangeng said.

He added that the government was also responsible for the safety and security of all its citizens. Therefore the government could not tolerate an individual or certain group who committed violent activity against other group or individual.

"Please do not mix the case of violence with other issues, because the government`s job is to enforce the law," Malarangeng said.

Asked if President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono already knew about Munarman`s statement, Malarangeng said, "There is certainly a report about it, but as usual the president will only monitor it."

The presidential spokesman also called on Munarman to immediately surrender to the police.

Commenting on the disbandment of the Islam Defenders Front (FPI), Malarangeng said the decision is to be made by a certain institution.

Source