Home Worldwide Indonesia February, 2011 Two Ahmadiyah Followers…

NEWS

Activists in front of the State Palace on Monday protesting against the attack on members of the Ahmadiyah community in Banten on Sunday. (Beritasatu Photo/Ulin Yusron)

Two members of Ahmadiyah are missing in the aftermath of the brutal attacks on the minority religion in Banten on Sunday.

And in Jakarta, activists held rallies to condemn the attack, which left three Ahmadi dead and another five in hospital with moderate to critical injuries.

The whereabouts of Arif Rahman Hakim from West Jakarta and Alfi from Serang, Banten, are still unknown.

A member of the Ahmadiyah congregation in Serang told the Jakarta Globe the pair were part of a group of 18 followers from Serang and Jakarta who went to Cikeusik on Sunday to protest the arrest of Ahmadi cleric Ismail Suparman.

Of the 18, three were killed, five were badly injured, eight escaped and the two men were missing, the Ahmadi told the Globe on condition of anonymity.

One of the injured, Deden Sujana, remains in a coma with extensive injuries to his head and body.

Police detectives were observed questioning the remaining survivors.

In Jakarta, about 50 people gathered in front of the State Palace to protest against the violence.

The demonstrators, including from Migrant Care and Imparsial, condemned the government for its failure to uphold human rights and democracy.

Yudhi Latief from the Reform Institute said the government was responsible for guaranteeing the wellbeing of all its citizens, regardless of their backgrounds.

“This republic is for everyone. It doesn’t belong to a group of people. It is the duty of the country and the government to guarantee the security and prosperity of everyone from all groups and communities. Nobody should be killed just because they have different faiths,” Yudhi said.

A rally also took place at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle. Around 100 people wearing black stood around the circle holding hands. They are Twitter users who called out for a Black Monday movement. They suggested people wear black today to mourn the death of diversity in Indonesia.

Copyright 2010 The Jakarta Globe Source:   www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/two-ahmadiyah-followers-missing- after-banten-attack/421217