Rizieq’s arrest no progress for Indonesia’s religious minorities
5 February 2021
Author: Yohanes Sulaiman, Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani
Firebrand and head of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) Muhamad Rizieq returned to Indonesia from his exile in Saudi Arabia on 10 November 2020. To show off his political clout, his return was greeted by a throng of supporters who have since held half a dozen large crowded events. His return has raised concerns that his command over many loyal followers will embolden radicals to launch a self-proclaimed ‘moral revolution’ in Indonesia.
President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo responded by demanding security authorities ‘take firm action’ against anyone violating COVID-19 guidelines. His instruction led the National Police to sack the police chiefs of West Java and Jakarta for failing to stop Rizieq from breaking health protocols. The police then decided to act, summoning Rizieq for questioning over breaches of health protocols. Rizieq’s refusal to answer the summons led to violent clashes between the police and his supporters and left six FPI members acting as his guards dead. The government disbanded the FPI on 30 December 2020, citing their members’ involvement in terrorism and criminal acts.