Indonesia’s MUI warns against looting, urges restraint in protests

Antara, Philippine News Agency

JAKARTA – The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has urged the public to avoid violence, vandalism, and looting when staging demonstrations against the authorities.

“We appeal to citizens to refrain from unlawful acts, such as damaging public facilities or seizing other people’s belongings,” said Asrorun Niam Sholeh, MUI’s Chairperson for Fatwa, in Jakarta on Sunday.

His remarks followed reports that protesters had looted the private residences of several House of Representatives (DPR) members on Saturday.

While acknowledging the people’s right to dissent, Sholeh stressed that violence, vandalism, and looting run counter to both religious values and national law.

“For those who have looted, stashed, or are unlawfully keeping others’ property, please return it immediately to the rightful owners or the authorities to avoid legal consequences,” he said.

Sholeh also urged both citizens and officials to exercise restraint and promote peace to safeguard public order and security.

“Amid economic disparities and socio-political instability, officials and residents alike must show modesty, strengthen social solidarity and brotherhood, and avoid flaunting wealth through hedonistic lifestyles,” he said.

He reiterated that demands for better governance should be voiced peacefully and urged the authorities to respond wisely.

Indonesia has faced nationwide unrest in recent days, with citizens protesting against the DPR and the police in several cities, including Jakarta.

Demonstrators have demanded cuts to lawmakers’ lavish allowances, stronger regulations on employment and corruption, and comprehensive police reform.

The turmoil escalated into rioters storming and looting the homes of several DPR legislators and Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati. (Antara)