UAS Is Refused To Enter Singapore, PAN Asks The Singaporean Government To Give An Explanation And Apologize

JAKARTA - The chairman of the PAN faction of the DPR, Saleh Partaonan Daulay, asked the Singaporean government to provide an open explanation regarding the actions of the immigration authorities who did not allow Ustad Abdul Somad (UAS) to enter and deport him back to Indonesia.

He regretted this incident because it would cause a sense of injustice in the hearts of Indonesian citizens. Because, said Saleh, so far, Singaporeans are very free to enter and leave Indonesia.

"UAS is a respected figure in Indonesia. He is respected in many countries. Including Malaysia, Brunei and many other countries," said Saleh, Tuesday, May 17.

"I also believe that UAS is very well liked and idolized by Singaporean Malays. Apart from being skilled in religious lectures, UAS is also known as a kind and humble person," he continued.

Because this issue is sensitive, the chairman of the PAN DPP also asked the Indonesian government to question Singapore's actions. Saleh said, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must be proactive in defending UAS.

"As a citizen, UAS must be protected and respected. This is not a matter of whether you can enter or not. But this is a matter of justice and equality. This is a matter of diplomatic relations between allied countries," said Saleh.

"Don't get the impression that Indonesians are belittled, belittled, and treated badly. If you go to UAS it can be like that, of course it can be even more unfair to other citizens of our country," he added.

Apart from asking for an open explanation, Saleh believes that the Indonesian government also needs to urge the Singaporean government to apologize.

"With this apology, in the future there should be no more similar cases that befell Indonesian citizens in Singapore. Our government must be firm and protective of all Indonesian citizens," he said.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore, Suryopratomo, denied that Ustaz Abdul Somad was reportedly deported from Singapore.

According to him, UAS did not get a permit to enter Singapore, so he was asked to return.

"He was not deported but did not get a permit to enter Singapore, so he was asked to return," said Suryopratomo via text message, Tuesday, May 17, 2022.

Suryopratomo did not explain why UAS did not get permission from Singapore. He only said the one who could explain the reason was the Singapore government.

"If the reason is right, maybe ask the Singapore Embassy in Jakarta because they have the right to explain the reason," he said.