JAKARTA. Habib Novel, the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) secretary-general who allegedly coordinated a protest-turned-riot against the governorship of Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama on Oct.3, turned himself into police on Wednesday afternoon.

“He is undergoing questioning at the Jakarta Police. He has been named a suspect. So, it is probable that he will be detained,” Sr. Comr. Heru Pranoto, director of the crime detective unit at the Jakarta Police said.

Heru said the police’s successful efforts to get Habib to surrender could not be separated from the approach they had taken not only to include the cleric on their most-wanted-list (DPO), but also to involve his closest friends and relatives in the search. “Let’s just wait for the results of the investigation. The examination is still ongoing,” said Heru.

He added that investigators had circulated photos of Habib Novel to all police units, as he had refused to heed the police’s summons several times.

The clash between FPI supporters and police officers occurred in front of the Jakarta Legislative Council and City Hall buildings at 2:30 p.m. on Friday.

The hardline group protested Ahok’s soon-to-be Jakarta governorship on account of his Chinese ethnicity and Christian background.

Earlier, the police named Shahabudin Anggawi, another FPI senior member, and 21 other group members as suspects in the violent attacks. Four of them were released, as they were still underage. (dyl/ebf)

Editor: Yudho Winarto