Haikal Hasan Is Outspoken, Close To Rizieq Shihab But Not FPI 'frontman'

JAKARTA - The Secretary General of the HRS Center, Haikal Hasan, emphasized that he was not part of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) or the Islamic United Front. The view that states that he is part of the FPI is merely a perception, following his close relationship with FPI's Grand Imam, Rizieq Shihab.

"I underline first, yes, I am not a member of the FPI. Many people think I am a leader (FPI). No, no!" said Babe Haikal, Haikal Hasan's nickname on the YouTube channel Akbar Faizal Uncensored, quoted by VOI, Thursday, February 4.

Including his position as Secretary General at HRS. According to Babe Haikal, the main reason why he took office was because of his closeness to Rizieq Shihab, not because of the FPI 'frontman'.

"When the HRS Center was formed, because of his personal closeness with Habib Rizieq, he was appointed Secretary General. Because of my ability to communicate smoothly with him, so I happened to be close, I sympathized with his struggle and I was finally appointed as secretary general of the HRS Center," explained Babe Haikal.

The ustad who is famous for his typical Betawi lecture style added that the organizational structure of the HRS Center also does not exist. "Sorry, I'm opening up because this is uncensored, there is no office, no address, no organization," he explained.

So, at the meeting for the formation of the Islamic United Front, Babe Haikal admitted that he was not invited, because structurally he was not included or registered as FPI.

"Now this is at the same time straightening out, because I was also invited to participate in events such as ILC as FPI's defender with Rocky Gerung. So the thinking in the community is patterned, oh this is FPI frontman. Though it is not like that," said Babe Haikal.