There Is A Call To Dissolve MUI, Mahfud MD: Don't Be Provoked

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD while speaking at the Ijtima Ulama MUI event held at the Sultan Hotel, Jakarta || source: Public Relations Kemenko Polhukam RI

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud MD asked the public not to spread provocative issues related to the arrests of suspected terrorists Farid Ahmad Okbah, Ahmad Zain An-Najah, and Anung Al-Hamat. Especially regarding the dissolution of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI).

"Regarding the arrest of 3 suspected terrorists involving MUI elements, let's not think that MUI needs to be dissolved," said Mahfud on his Twitter account @mohmahfudmd quoted by VOI, Saturday, November 20.

The dragging of the MUI because Ahmad Zain An-Najah is a member of the MUI. He is a member of the Central MUI Fatwa Commission.

In addition, Mahfud also emphasized to any party not to make an issue as if the government was attacking the MUI. The parties who spread the issue are considered not to understand the applicable legal process.

"And don't provoke saying the government via Densus 88 attacked MUI. Those are all provocations that come from imagination, not understanding of events," he said.

"Even the arrest of an MUI person as a suspected terrorist, should not be interpreted as an attack on the authority of the MUI," he continued.

Because, the arrest of terrorists can be done anywhere. Provided, law enforcement officers already have sufficient evidence.

"Terrorists can be caught anywhere: in the forest, malls, houses, churches, mosques and others. If the apparatus is silent and something happens, they can be accused of missing out. There will be a legal process and open evidence," said Mahfud.

On the other hand, Mahfud stated that the existence of MUI is based on the law. So, it cannot be dismissed just like that. "The position of the MUI is very strong because it has been mentioned in several laws and regulations. For example, in Law No. 33 of 2014 concerning Guaranteed Halal Products (Article 1.7 and Article 7.c ) also in Article 32 (22) of Law No. 21 of 2008 concerning Sharia Banking. The position of the MUI is strong, it cannot be dissolved arbitrarily, "said Mahfud.