Fadli Zon Takes Offense at Comments Quipping FPI's Rizieq

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Gerindra Party Deputy Chairman Fadli Zon argued that the Islamic Defenders Front leader Rizieq Shihab is the person referred to by former State Intelligence Agency’s Head A.M. Hendropriyono and Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Wiranto.

“I think people can easily interpret it that way,” said Fadli at the Senayan Parliamentary Complex in Jakarta today, May 7.

Hendropriyono and Wiranto mentioned a figure currently overseas that is trying to disrupt the domestic political climate. Both men did not specifically mention the identity of the person they are talking about.

“There is a figure currently overseas that constantly entices Indonesians to conduct unconstitutional acts,” said Wiranto in a meeting on the national security.

Meanwhile, Hendropriyono called for an Indonesian figure with Arabian descent to quit provoking the Indonesian people.

Fadli Zon sought their statements as demeaning and maintained that Rizieq Shihab is someone that needs to be respected. He claimed that the FPI leader received visits of Indonesian National Police Chief Gen. Tito Karnavian and State Intelligence Agency (BIN) Head Gen. Budi Gunawan in Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Tempo tried to confirm the authenticity of the Police chief and Intelligence leader meeting the FPI leader to Police HQ spokesman but has yet received any response.

BUDIARTI UTAMI PUTRI

Read: Press Council Urges Wiranto to Clarify Media Closure Remark