Palestinian Activist Arrested in Indonesia, MUI Urges Transparency of Law and Guards Constitutional Commitment

Chairman of the MUI for Foreign Relations Sudarnoto Abdul Hakim, questioned the transparency of the arrest of Palestinian activists. (Photo; Bambang Eros VOI, DI: Raga Gradana VOI)

JAKARTA - News about the arrest of a Palestinian activist named Miqdad by law enforcement in Indonesia triggered a serious response from various parties. The arrest, which was allegedly based on a request for cooperation through Interpol, attracted the attention of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI).

Chairman of the MUI for Foreign Relations and International Cooperation, Prof. Dr. Sudarnoto Abdul Hakim, stated that information related to this case is still very limited and there has been no official statement from the government. However, the news has sparked various speculations among the public.

Respect for Law, Encouraging Due Process of Law

Prof. Sudarnoto emphasized that MUI in principle respects the authority and duties of Indonesian law enforcement officers who act based on the constitution and international commitments. However, he underlined the importance of clean law enforcement.

"In every legal enforcement process, the principles of due process of law, respect for human rights, transparency, accountability, and justice must remain the main foundation," said Prof. Sudarnoto in his official statement to VOI, Sunday, July 19.

If the legal process really goes on, MUI hopes that all stages will be carried out openly. The parties concerned must also be given adequate rights guarantees, including legal assistance and access to authorized representatives. Furthermore, Prof. Sudarnoto encouraged lawyers and human rights activists, both at home and abroad, to pay attention and provide assistance to Miqdad.

Reminding the Constitutional Mandate of the 1945 Constitution

MUI asked the Indonesian Government to pay serious attention to the humanitarian and international political dimensions in this case. The reason is that support for Palestinian independence is a direct mandate from the opening of the 1945 Constitution.

Regarding the news that Miqdad will be deported to Cyprus or possibly transferred to another country, the MUI reminded the government to uphold the principle of non-refoulement.

The government needs to ensure that this step does not endanger the safety, basic rights, or human dignity of the person concerned. Indonesia is expected not to be part of a process that could threaten the freedom or human rights of Palestinians.

Preventing Misunderstandings and Public Speculation

Prof. Sudarnoto also emphasized the importance of openness to information so that this case does not trigger the wrong perception that Indonesia is reducing its commitment to the Palestinian people's struggle. So far, Indonesia has been known to consistently defend Palestine in the diplomatic and humanitarian assistance channels.

In addition, the official explanation from the government is considered important to calm the concerns of Palestinians in Indonesia for educational, humanitarian, and diplomatic purposes.

"The government needs to provide official explanations to the public regarding the legal basis, mechanisms, and guarantees for the protection of rights granted in this process. Proportionate information openness will help maintain public confidence," he added.

Indonesia's Commitment to Palestine Does Not Wane

Closing his statement, MUI invited all Indonesian people to respond to this issue calmly, wisely, and not rush to draw conclusions before all the facts are fully revealed.

MUI emphasized that the arrest case and the issue of deportation would not reduce the slightest moral commitment of the Indonesian nation to continue to fight for Palestinian independence.