Indonesian Police Clash with Hardline Islamic Cleric Supporters, 6 Killed

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Indonesian police shot and killed six people in a gunfight with supporters of a hardline Islamic cleric.

On the 7th, Muhammad Fadil Imran, Chief of the Jakarta Police Department, stated at a press conference, "At around 12:30 a.m. today, a gunfight occurred on a highway 50 km east of Jakarta between two vehicles carrying 10 supporters of Rizieq Shihab and the police," adding, "Six people were killed by police return fire." Rizieq Shihab, leader of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), had been summoned to appear at the police station at 10 a.m. that day.

The Jakarta police claimed that they received a tip that Rizieq’s followers were trying to prevent his appearance and were attacked by two vehicles carrying supporters while on their way to investigate.

The police chief explained, "The supporters used their vehicles to ram police cars and then attacked with firearms, Japanese swords, and sickles," adding, "Police, fearing for their lives, returned fire and killed six people, while four others fled."

Leader Rizieq was the figure who led large-scale protests opposing the Christian governor of Jakarta in the second half of 2016.

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