Police Explain Attacks Against 3 Religious Figures Are Unrelated And With Different Motives

Head of the Public Information Section (Kabagpenum) of the Public Relations Division of the National Police Kombes Pol Ahmad Ramadhan/ Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - The National Police of the Republic of Indonesia (Polri) has confirmed that it will thoroughly investigate cases of attacks on clerics (ustaz) or religious figures that occurred in a number of areas, one of which is Batam.

"Again, the National Police has the main duty to protect everyone, protect citizens, including religious leaders, so this case the Police will continue to seriously investigate this case professionally to uncover this case," said Head of the Public Information Section (Kabagpenum) of the Public Relations Division of the National Police, Kombes Pol Ahmad. Ramadan, quoting Antara, Tuesday, September 28.

Regarding the attack on Ustadz Abu Syahid Chaniago in Batam City, Ramadhan said, the local police had carried out investigation and investigation steps, including securing the perpetrator.

The results of the initial investigation showed that the perpetrator who had been named the suspect was known to have been treated at the Banda Aceh Mental Hospital three years ago.

"Regarding the position he is considered insane, it is not only a statement but we will investigate, both examinations by psychiatrists and previous medical records," said Ramadhan.

Ramadhan also emphasized the police's attitude regarding attacks on clerics that often occur in a number of areas, such as Bekasi, Tangerang and Batam.

According to Ramadhan, the three attacks have no connection. The motives are different and the victim and the perpetrator do not know each other.

Ramadhan also appealed to the public not to interpret the incident as an attempt to criminalize religious figures that could make the situation uncomfortable.

"The National Police will be professional, whoever is guilty will be processed, of course in accordance with the rules," said Ramadhan.

As is known, Ustadz Abu Syahid Chaniago was suddenly attacked by perpetrator H while he was giving a lecture in front of women, Monday, September 20, 2021 in Batam, Riau Islands.

The Head of Public Relations of the Batam Police AKBP Harry Goldenheard said that perpetrator H had been named a suspect and was detained at the Barelang Batam Police Station.

According to Harry, the Banda Aceh Hospital has stated that perpetrator H has clinically recovered from mental illness and is just taking medication.

"From the results of the examination by a psychiatric specialist at the Batam RSBP, he concluded that the unlawful behavior was not caused by a mental disorder and it is recommended that the suspect's legal case can be continued," Harry said when confirmed Monday, September 27.

Based on the results of the investigation, the local police raised the status of the case to the investigation stage.

As for the motive for the attack, based on the suspect's statement, said Harry, the suspect did not like religious lectures.

For his actions, the suspect was charged with Article 351 paragraphs (1) and (4) jo 352 with a penalty of two years and eight months in prison.

The case of the attack on the ulema/ustadz received the attention of a number of parties, one of which was Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives Habib Aboe Bakar Alhabsyi.

Aboe Bakar in the socialization of the four pillars of the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly in Banjar Regency, South Kalimantan, emphasized that recent attacks on religious teachers should not be underestimated.

"It is necessary to take preventive steps to prevent it from happening again," said Aboe Bakar in a written statement in Jakarta.

Aboe Bakar gave an example of the attack on the cleric that occurred on September 21 in Mustikajaya, Bekasi. The day before Ustad Chaniago who was giving a lecture at the mosque was also attacked.

Two days before that, Ustaz Alex, was the victim of a shooting in front of his house which is located in Pinang sub-district, Tangerang city. Meanwhile, said Aboe Bakar, the incident that has been remembered for a long time is the attack on the late Sheikh Ali Jaber.