FPI Members to Welcome Rizieq Shihab Home

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - East Java chapter chairman of Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), Mahdi al-Habsyi, said that his members would welcome the arrival of Muhammad Rizieq Shihab at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, on Tuesday, November 10, from Saudi Arabia.

"Inshaallah, we'll receive the return of Habib Rizieq [to Indonesia]. Some [of the members] have arrived in Jakarta, and the number is over 1,800, including the simphatizers," Mahdi said when contacted by Tempo, Saturday, November 7. 

According to Mahdi, East Java FPI did not specifically initiate to coordinate the members' departure to Jakarta. "They go on their own, some left for Jakarta since last week."

FPI chair of shura council Haidar al-Hamid added that everyone were invited to greet Rizieq Shihab when he returns; it was not exclusively for FPI members. He said that it's been viral on social media that many people from several Islamic organizations will also welcome the imam home.

"I think it's not only FPI, but all Muslims who love Habib Rizieq Shihab, from weherever they are, will come and greet him," Haidar said.

Coordinating Minister for Politics, Legal, and Security Mahfud MD previously stated that government has prepared regular security to anticipate the crowds who will welcome Rizieq Shihab home on November 10.

The minister warned the people who intend to come and greet the imam to avoid creating chaos and maintain the Covid-19 health protocol.

Read: Mahfud MD Calls for Rizieq Shihab Followers to Avoid Creating Chaos

Kukuh S. Wibowo