Mahfud MD Values Panji Gumilang's Lawsuit Only For Transferring Attention

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD. (Between/Akbar Nugroho Gumay)

The Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menkopolhukam) of the Republic of Indonesia Mahfud MD admitted that he would not be fooled by the lawsuit filed by the Head of the Al-Zaytun Islamic Boarding School, Panji Gumilang, against him to the Central Jakarta District Court.

"Never mind, we serve it normally. It's a small matter, but we will not be fooled into diverting attention," Mahfud said when confirmed on Friday (21/7) night.

Mahfud assessed that the lawsuit was to distract from the alleged criminal act that might ensnare Panji Gumilang. However, law enforcement officers will continue to process the alleged criminal act committed by the Al-Zaytun Islamic boarding school leader.

"We will continue to process allegations of criminal acts against Panji Gumilang in the crime of money laundering for assets and accounts that have now been frozen," he said as quoted by Antara.

According to the former chairman of the Indonesian Constitutional Court, the Panji Gumilang case is a criminal law matter on the basis of official allegations. If it turns into a civil issue, he is worried that the main case can escape attention.

"This is a sensation that if served, the main case can escape attention," he said.

For this reason, said Mahfud, the civil lawsuit with the demand to pay compensation of IDR 5 trillion was a matter of light.

"I haven't read it yet and I don't want to read what the lawsuit contains. Later when it's less than 10 minutes (before the trial starts), I'll read it later. That's just a matter of light business," said Mahfud.

The Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs said that the lawsuit was a trivial matter. Mahfud is ready to face it without preparation. The reason is, the law has logic and the judge will give an assessment of Panji's lawsuit.

"Therefore, we will meet in court," added the senior minister in President Jokowi's Cabinet.

It was also emphasized that the prosecution of cases of alleged criminal acts against Panji would be continued.

"However, don't forget the criminal act allegedly against Pak Panji Gumilang must be continued, and we will guard it," he concluded.

Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation Unit of the National Police is currently processing cases of alleged blasphemy and money laundering by Panji.

Previously, Panji Gumilang sued Mahfud MD to the Central Jakarta District Court on July 17, 2023. The lawsuit was registered under number 445/Pdt.G/2023/PN Jkt.Pst.

In his petitum, Panji considers Mahfud to have committed acts against the law through various statements in the media so far. Panji also demanded Mahfud pay material and immaterial compensation.