TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) on Monday criticized a public statement issued by the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) after the agency alleges terrorists have infiltrated mass organizations and state institutions. Prior to this, MUI lamented BNPT’s claim about 198 Islamic boarding schools that are affiliated to terrorist activities.

MUI secretary general Amirsyah Tambunan on February 18 said; “This time another statement stirring arguments, which is regrettable, came from Irfan Idris (BNPT director of deradicalization).”

He highlighted Irfan’s statement that claims of a new infiltration pattern among terrorists which attempts to enter formal institutions and rally support and recruit new members by using common activities among the Indonesian Muslim community.

“This anecdote must be investigated to help reveal facts and data on the recruitment process, Quran reciting activities (pengajian). The facts must be clear and backed by data to not create public disturbance,” said Tambunan.

However on another note, the MUI secretary acknowledges that the counterterrorism agency is merely informing the public on their findings, but laments that the statements were made without issuing preventive measures against the acts of terrorism.

Read: BNPT Apologizes for Data of 198 Islamic Schools Affiliated with Terrorism

ARRIJAL RACHMAN