Rizieq Released; Ma`ruf Compliments Indonesian Consulate in Saudi

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The vice presidential candidate number 01 Ma`ruf Amin complimented the Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI) in Saudi Arabia, which has provided a guarantee for the release of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) leader Rizieq Shihab.

“That’s good, he was released because he was guaranteed by our Consul General there,” Ma’ruf told the reporters after attending the National Sharia Board (DSN) plenary meeting at Mercure Hotel, Ancol, North Jakarta, Thursday, November 8.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Saudi Arabia, Agus Maftuh Abegebriel previously confirmed that Rizieq was arrested by the Saudi security forces in Mecca and was released the day after.

Read: Indonesian Ambassador to Saudi Rizieq Shihab Arrested 

“On November 6, at 20:00 Saudi Arabia time, accompanied by Indonesian Consulate staff, Muhammad Rizieq Shihab was released from the Mecca police detention on bail,” Agus said in a written statement received by Tempo, Wednesday, November 7.

Agus explained that the arrest began when the Mecca Police visited Rizieq Shihab’s residence on November 5 at 08:00 local time. The police briefly inspected Rizieq’s residence after they received information that a black flag was installed at Rizieq's house. “The black flag installation on the wall behind Rizieq's house led to the characteristics of extremist movements,” he said.

The installation of such flags, Agus explained, is indeed prohibited in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government strictly prohibits all forms of jargon, labels, attributes, and symbols of anything related to terrorism such as ISIS, Al Qaeda, Al Jama'ah Al Islamiyyah.

All activities that lead to terrorism and extremism are also prohibited. The Saudi government also monitors all activities on social media. The IT violation related to terrorism is considered a serious crime.

FIKRI ARIGI