Many Figures Come To Rizieq Shihab, Observer: FPI Social Movements That Can Be Opinion Leaders

Rizieq Shihab during a speech at his residence (Photo: Irfan Meidianto)

JAKARTA - A number of figures have held a gathering at the residence of the High Imam of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) Rizieq Shihab after returning from Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, November 10.

Responding to this, a political observer from the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) Firman Noor said that Rizieq was not part of a formal political group or party. However, he became a figure who could influence the opinions of others and be strengthened by his supporters.

"I see him as a social movement. FPI is a social movement in which in certain moments he can become a solidarity maker, then become an opinion leader," said Firman when contacted by VOI, Thursday, November 12.

Even so, he considered, not at all moments FPI and Rizieq Shihab could become opinion leaders. This is because there are only a few moments in which they have succeeded in influencing public opinion and one of them is during the Jakarta Governor Election (Pilgub).

"The Jakarta case was felt because yes, Ahok's comments were inappropriate, yes. Then it became an entry point for FPI but in general such moments are not frequent," he said.

Even so, Rizieq was still approached because of his abilities. "His capacity as an opinion leader can help a political position to boost support, although it may not necessarily win but boost support quite well," he said.

In addition, sympathizers who are so militant are also a reason. Because, Rizieq is considered capable of gathering his supporters in one command.

Furthermore, regarding the visit of a number of figures to Rizieq Shihab's residence, according to Firman, this is not related to the upcoming 2024 General Election. He said, this visit was only carried out as a form of friendship.

"This is just a gathering as a form of solidarity, sympathy for people who have just returned from exile, who happen to be said to have interfered with the state," he said.

"Those who come on average also have positions opposing the government and indeed Habib Rizieq is also part of an element that is opposed to the government," added Firman.

Previously reported, after returning to Indonesia from Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, November 10, a number of figures had indeed briefly moved closer to Rizieq Shihab's residence in Petamburan, Central Jakarta. Those who docked were DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan, MUI Wasekjen Tengku Zulkarnain, Amien Rais, to high-ranking Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) officials.