HTI Protests Continue Despite Obama APEC Cancellation

Islamic hard-line group Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI) said that they were grateful that US President Barack Obama had canceled his plans to attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Bali this weekend, but that they would continue to protest nonetheless.

“Obama is the mastermind behind genocide against Muslims in some Islamic countries,” said Muhammad Adam, a member of HTI’s central board. “The United States also funds Israel to buy weapons, which are used to kill Muslims in Palestine. The United States also intervened in the Syria conflict which led to a deadlock.”

Some 300 HTI activists rallied against APEC and Obama’s visit in front of sate building on Jalan Diponegoro in Bandung on Friday morning. Their banners read “Reject APEC, reject neoimperialism” and “Reject Obama, the Terrorist President.”

“We know that the economic liberalization and opening all sectors to foreign investment will lead to fringe control of the third-world countries, and will benefit the US and China,” said Luthfi Afandi, a spokesman for HTI West Java.

He said that the APEC strengthened trade liberalization, which brought suffering to Indonesian people.

“The trade liberalization destroys local potential,” said Arinnashim, an HTI central board member.

Economist Rulli Indrawan said Obama’s visit and APEC policies were irrelevant to Indonesia’s economic problems.

“They’re because of our own weaknesses,” he told the Jakarta Globe. “So rejecting Obama is not a solution.”

Source : thejakartaglobe.com