JAKARTA - Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs explained the reasons for banning Abdul Somad Batubara's entry into its sovereign territory, one of which was because the ustaz from Indonesia was considered to be spreading extremist teachings and divisions.
"Somad is known to spread extremist teachings and divisions, which are unacceptable in Singapore's multiracial and multi-religious society," said Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs in a written press statement responding to a diplomatic note sent by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding Abdul Somad's refusal to enter. May.
The statement explained the example of Ustaz Abdul Somad preaching that suicide bombings were legal in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and were considered a "martyrdom" operation.
“He also made derogatory comments about members of other religious communities, such as Christians, by describing the Christian cross as the abode of 'pagan jinn'. In addition, Somad openly refers to non-Muslims as infidels," the ministry said.
The Singapore government asserts that the entry of foreign visitors into its territory cannot be automated. Each person will be judged on their merits, case by case.
“While Somad seeks to enter Singapore under the guise of a social visit, the Singapore government takes seriously anyone advocating violence and/or supporting extremist teachings and divisions. Somad and his traveling companions were denied entry to Singapore," the ministry said.
The Ministry of Home Affairs ensured that Ustadz Abdul Somad Batubara arrived at the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore on May 16, 2022 from Batam with six travel companions.
Somad was interviewed, after which the group was denied entry to Singapore and placed on a ferry back to Batam the same day.
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