Makassar Grand Mosque Pulpit Burner Arrested, Religious Leader: Be Patient, Don't Be Provoked

JAKARTA – The perpetrators of the burning of the pulpit of the Makassar Grand Mosque were arrested by the South Sulawesi Police Resmob Team and the Makassar Police Jatanras Team. The perpetrator was arrested on Tinumbu Street, Bontoala District, Makassar City, South Sulawesi.

The perpetrator, who has not been identified, was arrested near his home. Head of Criminal Investigation Unit of Makassar Police, Commissioner Jamal Fathur Rakhman, confirmed the arrest of the perpetrator of the burning of the pulpit of the Makassar Grand Mosque.

"Yes, the perpetrator has been arrested," said Jamal, Saturday, September 25.

However, Jamal has not been able to provide further details regarding the chronology and motives of the perpetrators of the pulpit fire.

"It will be released directly by the Makassar Police Chief," he said.

Previously, the pulpit of the Great Mosque of Makassar, South Sulawesi was burned on Saturday, September 25, at around 01.17 am Makassar time (WITA). The perpetrator is thought to have been alone when he set fire to the pulpit of the mosque.

The Makassar Police Chief, Kombes Pol Witnu Urip Laksana said that his party had conducted a crime scene (TKP) investigation.

"From the initial examination of the witnesses today. We have identified the alleged perpetrators, including the CCTV footage captured at the mosque. The perpetrator was alone with a mask on his face," said the Makassar Police Chief.

Meanwhile, Usta Das'ad Latif together with the administrators of the Indonesian Mosque Council (DMI) of South Sulawesi and former Deputy Chief of Police, Komjen Pol (Ret.) Syafruddin conveyed to the public there was no need to panic and worry because the matter had been taken seriously by the police.

"People don't have to worry and don't be provoked by this incident. Everything has been handled by the police. Muslims are also asked not to worry, this is not a provocation, not something to panic. God willing, Makassar is safe," said Da'sad together with local Polrestabes officials. .