Ustaz Abdul Somad Rejected By Singapore, Mahfud MD: We Can't Get Involved

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD/Antara

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud MD emphasized that the government cannot interfere with Singapore's decision to refuse to enter Ustaz Abdul Somad. The country is considered to have a policy that cannot be intervened by other parties, including Indonesia.

"We cannot interfere with Singapore's laws, just as Singapore cannot interfere with our laws," Mahfud said in a written statement to reporters quoted on Thursday, May 19.

He said each country has sovereignty over their rules. For example, Indonesia never allowed Singapore to hunt forest arsonists in the Riau region.

This incident occurred in 2015, when Singapore was rumored to be going to arrest forest arsonists in Indonesia because the smoke generated endangered the people of that country. This arrest, said Mahfud, was based on regulations regarding anti-smoke or anti-haze.

"We reject the law flatly and firmly do not allow Singapore to hunt forest arsonists in our territory. We said we would handle it and prosecute it ourselves," he said.

"So every country has its own legal sovereignty based on the principle of territoriality," added Mahfud.

Even so, the former Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court (MK) confirmed that he would continue to ask for information diplomatically regarding the refusal.

"Later, we will find out the problem through diplomatic channels," he said.

Previously reported, Ustaz Abdul Somad through his YouTube channel, Hai Guys, said that he was refused entry by the Singapore Immigration Officer through Tanah Merah Port on Monday, May 16.

"I left for Singapore on Monday afternoon from Batam on May 16, 2022, arrived at Tanah Merah Port (Singapore, ed) at around 1.30 (noon) Indonesian time. In order to have a holiday, my friend happened to be near his house from Singapore," said Abdul Somad on his YouTube show.

UAS admitted that at that time the files were complete. However, he suffered a different fate from his entourage because he could not enter the country.

"All the files are complete. Travel cards, cards to come in and out are complete, nothing is lacking. When the immigration stamp arrived, he didn't have a stamp because he just scanned the passport, it was a thumbprint," he said.

"When I was about to go out, my best friend came out, his wife was there, the child was there, the ustazah was there, my son was gone, I was the last one. As soon as I wanted to go out, the bag was pulled in," added Ustaz Abdul Somad.

This lecturer admitted that he did not accept the treatment he received. Moreover, the Singapore immigration authorities did not give any reason regarding the refusal, whether it was because of terrorists, drugs, or involvement in the ISIS network.

"So that must be explained. Ask all Indonesian citizens to ask for an explanation, what's wrong? Let us know if we are clear, the file is lacking or what, explain. Why? Is it because of terrorists? Is it because of ISIS? Is it because of carrying drugs? That needs to be explained," Ustaz Abdul Somad said.

"Starting at half 2, half 3, half 4, half 5 in the afternoon the last ship just returned home," he added.