Indonesian President on Rizieq Shihab’s Arrest: Law and Order Must be Enforced

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Indonesian President Joko Widodo responded to the arrest of Rizieq Shihab by asserting that law and order must be enforced.

Rizieq, the leader of the radical group Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), surrendered himself to authorities on December 12 and will be detained until December 31.

Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo emphasized his point in response to the six FPI supporters who were gunned down on December 7 in addition to the Sigi terror attack in Central Sulawesi on November 27.

“The law must be followed and enforced. For what? To protect the people’s interest, protect our people and nation.”

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Furthermore, the Indonesian President defended law enforcement officials stating that it is their duty to uphold order and that they are protected by the law in carrying out their duties.

For that reason, Jokowi said that citizens should not undermine the justice system.

“No citizen in society shall purposefully disobey the law, which undermines the people especially if it endangers the country and its citizens. Those in law enforcement cannot back down.”

Furthermore, the Indonesian President reassured that officials conduct their duty in accordance with regulations and with respect to human rights in mind.

In a situation where there is a difference of opinion on how law enforcement is supposed to be enacted, Jokowi reminded all parties to adhere to existing procedures and the system determine the outcome.

Read also: Jakarta Metropolitan Police Arrest FPI Chief Rizieq Shihab

“If necessary, we can involve our independent body such as the National Commission on Human Rights where citizens can file their complaint.”

“Let me say this. We must uphold justice and legal standing in our country as the foundation of Indonesia’s progress.”

The shooting of Rizieq Shihab’s sympathizers involved six individuals who were gunned down and killed by police at the Jakarta-Cikampek toll road on December 7.

Jakarta Metropolitan Chief Inspector General Fadil Imran explained that the group of 10 individuals had allegedly attempted to attack on-duty officers involved in an investigation linked to Rizieq Shihab.