Highlighting The Deportation Of UAS From Singapore, Yusril Ihza Mahendra: It Must Be Explained So That There Is No Misunderstanding

Constitutional law expert Yusril Ihza Mahendra/DOK ANTARA

JAKARTA - Constitutional law expert Yusril Ihza Mahendra said that the Singapore government must explain the reasons for Ustaz Abdul Somad's (UAS) prevention. An official explanation must be given so that there are no misunderstandings because UAS is a respected cleric in Indonesia.

"Whatever the type of immigration action against UAS must be explained so that speculation and misunderstanding do not arise," said Yusril in his written statement to reporters, Tuesday, May 17.

He also said that the treatment that UAS received was not actually deportation but rather called prevention. "Because UAS is still in the immigration area of Singapore and has not really entered the country," said the former Minister of Law and Human Rights.

"If UAS has passed the immigration area and was ordered to leave the country, then his name is deported," he added.

Yusril appreciated the proactive attitude of the Directorate General of Immigration, Ministry of Law and Human Rights, who contacted the Singapore immigration office to ask for an explanation of what happened to UAS.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he continued, could actually do the same thing by summoning the Singaporean Ambassador in Jakarta to provide an explanation. Moreover, the rejection of Ustaz Abdul Somad's presence raises questions.

This is because his visit was not there to conduct lectures or tabligh akbar activities that caused concern.

"The rejection of the presence of UAS can raise questions in good relations between ethnic Malays and Muslims in Southeast Asia," he stressed.

"UAS has been known as a straight-line cleric who is not active in dealing with power and relations between countries. Moreover, UAS's presence to Singapore is a regular visit, not to conduct lectures, tabligh and the like that can cause concern for the Singapore government," added Yusril.

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As previously reported, Ustaz Abdul Somad said that he was refused entry to Singapore by the Singapore Immigration officer through Tanah Merah Port on Monday, May 16, 2022. He said this on Ustaz Abdul Somad's YouTube channel, Hai Guys, on Tuesday, May 17.

"I left for Singapore on Monday afternoon from Batam on May 16, 2022, arriving at Tanah Merah (Singapore) Port at around 1.30 (noon) Indonesian time. In the context of a holiday, my friend happens to be near his house from Singapore, "he said.

Apart from him, all the entourage that came with him could pass through immigration and cross to Singapore. UAS was the last person to check all the files, but he was not allowed to continue his journey.

"All files complete. Travel cards, cards to come and go, all complete, nothing lacking. After arriving at the immigration stamp, he didn't have a stamp because he just scanned the passport, after that it was a thumbprint," he said.

"When I was about to go out, my best friend came out, his wife was there, his son was, the ustazah was, my son was, I was the last one. As soon as I wanted to go out, then the bag was pulled in," explained UAS, telling the story of the incident.