Governor Anies Baswedan Criticized for Not Helping Rizieq Shihab

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan became a target of criticism from Faisal Assegaf for not standing by the leader of Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) Rizieq Shihab.

Faisal Assegaf is an activist and member of the ‘212 rally alumni’ movement, which is an organization that consists of former protesters that stormed Jakarta streets on December 2, 2016, in a massive rally against former Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok).

According to Faisal, Anies Baswedan and Sandiaga Uno were able to be elected as Governor and Deputy Governor of Jakarta because of the help of Rizieq Shihab, who Faisal claims largely contributed to the pair’s win.

Read also: Anies Baswedan Suggested to Pick Rizieq Shihab in Mecca

“The fact is that Anies and Sandi seem to let Rizieq Shihab be shrouded by issues regarding ethnic, religious, racial and societal group (SARA) and destructive politics. This is very ungentlemanlike and similar to a nut who forgets its shell,” said Faisal in an interview on Wednesday, February 21.

Faisal went further to claim that Rizieq Shihab and the massive scale ‘212 rally’ helped Anies and Sandiaga reach the position of authorities in Jakarta.

“[Anies and Sandiaga] should care more and provide solutions for Rizieq Shihab who is also a citizen of Jakarta that has the right to receive a guarantee of tranquility and comfort from the Jakarta administration,” said Faisal.

Faisal then downplayed Rizieq’s situation and claimed that it is not a national problem but rather a local problem that cannot be left unsolved. He suggested Anies Baswedan to use his authority to peacefully urge Rizieq Shihab to return back to Indonesia.

HENDARTYO HANGGI