Rizieq Shihab Apologizes for Crowds in 4 Locations

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) leader Rizieq Shihab said the crowds occurring at four locations following his return from Saudi Arabia were accidental.

“It was unwanted, unintentional events, and it was indeed because of the enthusiasm of the people, their longing, their love,” said Rizieq in the virtual event of a national dialogue held by PA 212 on Wednesday, December 2, 2020.

Rizieq apologized for the crowds in Terminal 3 of Soekarno Hatta Airport, Tangerang; in Tebet, South Jakarta; in Petamburan, Central Jakarta, and in Megamendung, Bogor, which caused public unrest.

He said that it was beyond his control, and so since then, FPI canceled all events that could potentially attract a large crowd. “Once again, I apologize if the crowds cause public unrest or inconvenience or against the rule.”

Rizieq landed at Soekarno Hatta Airport on Nov. 10, 2020. He attended the commemoration event of Prophet Muhammad’s birthday or Maulid Nabi in Tebet on Friday, Nov. 13, and head to Megamendung, Bogor, for a similar event. A day after, he held Maulid Nabi and the wedding reception of his daughter in Petamburan. All events attracted a large crowd.

The National Police were investigating alleged violations of Law No. 6/2019 concerning health quarantine following the crowds related to Rizieq Shihab in Megamendung, Tebet, and Petamburan. Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan and West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil had been summoned for a clarification.

Also Read: Mer-C Responds to Issue About Rizieq Shihab's Positive Test Result

LANI DIANA WIJAYA