It Turns Out That There Are 140 Members Of The Muslim Khilafatul In West Manggarai, NTT National Unity and Political Agency: They Just Join In

Head of the NTT Kesbangpol Jhon Oktavianus while giving a statement, in Kupang/ANTARA

KUPANG - The National Unity and Political Agency (Kesbangpol) of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) noted that there were 140 members of the Muslim Khilafah residing in West Manggarai Regency, NTT.

"They are spread over three sub-districts in West Manggarai Regency and at several points on several islands in the area", said NTT National Unity and Political Agency Head, Jhon Oktavianus, in Kupang, Antara, Monday, July 11.

He said this was related to the emergence of the Muslim Khilafah group in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai Regency which was considered disturbing to many people.

He said that the 140 members had membership cards. However, even though they have membership cards, they do not understand that the group is against Pancasila.

"They just went along with it. They knew that they could study religion, but they were surprised that there was another purpose behind it", he said again.

Jhon said that his party was already working with the local government, Densus 88, and the National Police to monitor the group's presence in Labuan Bajo.

Hundreds of members of the group have also promised to leave allegiance and will re-recognize Pancasila as the symbol of the Indonesian state.

"During July, we are targeting all of them to be able to release the Muslim Khilafah, so that on August 17 we will invite them to attend the commemoration ceremony", he said again.

Jhon also added that as a premium tourism area, West Manggarai Regency, especially Labuan Bajo, must avoid various radical groups that can damage the tourist area.

Therefore, the team that was formed has also monitored the movement of the group and the one who initiated the group in Labuan Bajo is also continuously monitoring its movements.