Rizieq Shihab Will Go Home, Mahfud: The Important Thing Is That His Followers Do Not Create Riots

JAKARTA - The Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menkopolhukam) Mahfud MD admitted that he did not have a problem with the leader of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) Rizieq Shihab to return to Indonesia.

However, Mahfud advised that if Rizieq and his followers planned action activities, it must be carried out in an orderly manner. Mahfud warned Rizieq and his followers not to riot.

"If there is a mass gathering, the important thing is not to make riots because Habib Rizieq wants to go home with a moral revolution," Mahfud said in the Youtube broadcast of the Indonesian Ministry of Politics, Law and Security, Thursday, November 5.

Mahfud emphasized that the government has never prevented Rizieq from returning to Indonesia. Because, according to him, the problem was that Rizieq could not return home earlier because he had his own business with the Saudi Arabian government.

"The matter of being prevented from returning, it is his business with the Saudi Arabian government and we already know. If now (the matter) is over, go home. We never get in the way," Mahfud said.

If later Rizieq's followers hold an action, Mahfud said the government only made regular security. If there is a potential for rioting, the authorities will handle it according to the rules.

"Now, if it causes damage, it means that it is not Habib Rizieq's followers, we will brush it off. If Habib Rizieq's followers, who are orderly," said Mahfud.

Mahfud continued, the government is currently in the campaign and socialization of health protol as a temporary vaccine before the actual vaccine arrives.

"So, health protocols should be obeyed so as not to make one another cause trouble. So you take care of it, take care of others. Go ahead," he said.