TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud Md asserted that the recent arrest of three suspected terrorists was unrelated to the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI).

"The arrest of three suspected terrorists was not launched at the MUI’s office, so do not assume there was a raid at the MUI’s office. It is not related to MUI’s affairs,” said Mahfud at a press conference on Monday, November 22.

The National Police’s counterterrorism squad, Densus 88, nabbed three suspected terrorists who were also members of MUI, viz. Ahmad Zain An Najah, Farid Ahmad Okbah, and Anung Al Hamat over alleged involvement in terror group Jamaah Islamiyah (JI).

The arrest resulted in the request of MUI’s disbandment through hashtag #BubarkanMUISarangTeroris that went viral on Twitter.

According to Mahfud, Densus 88 had never announced that the suspected terrorists were MUI members. “It is the public and the media who revealed that they were MUI members. MUI then dismissed them,” he said.

Mahfud Md went on to say that the government could not yet answer questions about evidence during the investigation process as it could disrupt the legal process. However, he ensured the process’ transparency and that it is in accordance with applicable procedures.

Read: Setara Institute Criticizes MUI Following Alleged Terrorist Arrest

FRISKI RIANA