Asking For An Explanation From The Singaporean Authorities Regarding Ustaz Abdul Somad's Refusal To Enter, The Indonesian Embassy In Singapore Sends A Diplomatic Note

Indonesian Embassy in Singapore. (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia)

JAKARTA - The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Singapore sent a diplomatic note to the authorities of the Lion Country, asking for an explanation regarding the refusal to enter Ustaz Abdul Somad (UAS) and his entourage on Monday.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia through the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore asked for an explanation regarding the refusal to enter UAS, through direct communication with local authorities.

After receiving information regarding the refusal of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore, for an Indonesian citizen with the initials ASB and his entourage. The Indonesian Embassy in Singapore immediately communicated with ICA, to ask the reason for the refusal.

"From this communication, the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore received information from ICA Singapore, ​The refusal of entry was based on the reason 'being ineligible for the issue of a pass under current immigration policies). The refusal was made to ASB and 6 members of its entourage," said the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement, Tuesday, May 17.

Further explained, the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore has also sent a Diplomatic Note to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore, in order to further inquire about the reasons for the refusal.

Regarding this matter, the Indonesian Embassy is still waiting for further information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore on the Diplomatic Note.

Previously reported, Ustaz Abdul Somad said that he was refused entry to Singapore by the Singapore Immigration Officer through Tanah Merah Port on Monday, May 16, 2022. This was conveyed on the HAI GUYS OFFICIAL YouTube channel on Tuesday, May 17.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore Suryo Pratomo when contacted by VOI explained that his party contacted Singapore Immigration after hearing the news of the refusal.

"We received an explanation, Ustaz Abdul Somad was not allowed to enter Singapore, was refused entry. We asked what was the basis (of the refusal), they conveyed their consideration that they did not meet the criteria applicable to the immigration policies that apply there," he explained.

"We asked whether Ustaz Abdul Somad was included in the list of prohibited entry, they did not provide an explanation. Why is it not called deportation, according to the ICA, Ustaz Abdul Somad has not entered Singapore's territory," he explained.

"If deportation is the impression, you have been allowed to enter, commit immigration violations and be sent home. This Ustaz Abdul Somad did not commit immigration violations, because he has not entered the territory of Singapore, he is still in the immigration area," he said.

He added that so far the ICA has not provided information regarding the period of the entry ban, therefore the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore has officially submitted a Diplomatic Note.