Apologies To Release 198 Islamic Boarding Schools Affiliated To Terrorism Networks, Exactly Praises Komjen Boy Rafli Amar: Gentle And Humble

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairperson of the Central Executive for the Islamic Union (Persis) KH Jeje Zaenudin appreciated the apology from the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) regarding the 198 list of Islamic boarding schools (ponpes) affiliated with terrorism networks.

"Of course, we are very happy and at the same time appreciate the open, gentle and humble attitude of the Head of BNPT Komjen Boy Rafli Amar," said KH Jeje Zaenudin in a written statement received in Jakarta, Antara, Thursday, February 3.

Boy Rafli Amar conveyed an apology to the pesantren and all parties who felt offended and hurt by the release of the list of pesantren affiliated with terrorism during a gathering and dialogue between BNPT and the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) at the MUI Building, East Jakarta today.

After discussing for about two hours with various inputs, criticisms, and suggestions conveyed between the two parties, Boy Rafli Amar conveyed the apology.

"He without hesitation expressed his apologies to the pesantren and all parties who felt offended and hurt by the release of the list of Islamic boarding schools affiliated with terrorism," said Jeje Zaenudin.

On that occasion, Boy also said that BNPT would not hesitate to change terms and dictions that were deemed inappropriate and had the potential to create a negative stigma towards Islam and all Muslims.

BNPT will also commit to reforming related to making criteria and indicators for terrorist groups.

"I think this is an extraordinary progress made by BNPT. They accept all input, criticism, suggestions, and complaints from the people submitted by MUI leaders regarding the criteria for terrorist groups that seem to corner Muslim groups," said Jeje Zaenudin.

During the gathering and dialogue, all BNPT deputies were also present, the Chair of the Central MUI KH Dr Chalil Nafis, the Chair of the MUI for Law and Legislation Prof. Dr. Noor Achmad, the Chair of the MUI for Fatwa KH Dr Asrarun Ni'am, and the Chair of the MUI for the Study of Recitations. Research, and Development of Prof. Dr. Debt Ranuwijaya.