Satpol PP Asks Rizieq's Welcome Banner To Be Lowered

Welcome banner for FPI leader Rizieq Shihab (Diah Ayu Wardani / VOI)

JAKARTA - Head of Jakarta Satpol PP Arifin asked residents who put up a banner welcoming the return of the leader of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) Muhammad Rizieq Shihab to be removed for being illegal and without being charged a billboard tax.

"Later we will urge and remind sympathizers," said Arifin when contacted, Tuesday, November 10.

Even so, Arifin did not ask Satpol PP officers to take down the banner directly. According to Arifin, the scattered banners will be taken down by the installing party.

"Besides, when it's finished, maybe it will also be lowered by itself, yes," he said.

As is well known, since the news of Rizieq's return to the country circulated in the community, many banners began to appear welcoming the FPI leader, especially in the Petamburan area, Central Jakarta, which is the location of his residence.

When Rizieq came home yesterday, many people picked him up at Soekarno Hatta International Airport, filling all sides of the arrival terminal area from the international route.

They were moving early on. It was reported that there was a total traffic jam towards Soekarno-Hatta Airport this morning. Prospective passengers even reportedly had to walk about 1 kilometer because the vehicle could not move.

Meanwhile, a number of masses also packed KS Tubun Street and Petamburan III Street, Central Jakarta, to wait for Rizieq's arrival. Even though Rizieq had just arrived at his house around 13.30 WIB, the crowd had packed Rizieq's house since early morning.