TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko claimed he was perplexed by the request for reconciliation made by the leader of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), Rizieq Shihab. According to Moeldoko, the relationship between Rizieq and the government is good so reconciliation is not needed.

“What should be reconciled with Habib Rizieq? From the beginning, he leaves [Indonesia] on his own. Then he just returns home on his own,” said Moeldoko in his office on Thursday, November 12, 2020.

The government, in fact, deployed security officers to ensure the safety and order upon Rizieq’s return. “We mobilize officers to stand guard and not disturb [him and his supporters] although it is them who cause a disturbance. I mean they disturb the roads,” said the former military commander.

According to Moeldoko, understanding each other’s rights and responsibilities is necessary. “The country protects all citizens. So I think what should be reconciled? We are actually in a good relationship,” he again questioned the request for reconciliation.

Previously, Rizieq Shihab said during his sermon broadcasted via the FPI YouTube channel that he was ready to reconcile with the government, sit together and have a dialogue on conditions.

“We are ready to reconcile but first stop criminalizing ulema, stop criminalizing their activists. Show good intentions first,” Rizieq said.

Moeldoko clarified that the government has never criminalized ulema. All people convicted by the authorities, he added, were associated with their actions, instead of their status.

Read: Political Maps Will Change as Rizieq Shihab Returns: Observer

DEWI NURITA