Gov’t Committed to Following Up Legal Action Against Al Zaytun Islamic Boarding School, Minister Says

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud M. D. delivers a press statement on Tuesday (07/18) in Jakarta. (Photo by: PR/Dindha)

The Government is committed to follow up legal action against Al Zaytun Islamic Boarding School by focusing on three issues, namely reports on religious blasphemy, money laundering allegation, and education.

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud M. D. made the statement in his press statement at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta, Tuesday (07/18).

“We take Al Zaytun case seriously on three issues. First, regarding Panji Gumilang who was reported for religious blasphemy by the public, for violating Law Number 1 PNPS of 1965 (on Prevention of Religious Misuse and/or Blasphemy),” he said.

On money laundering allegation, Mahfud pointed out that the Government has blocked 145 of 256 personal bank accounts of Al Zaytun Islamic Boarding School leader Panji Gumilang and has investigated tens of other bank accounts related to the foundation.

Mahfud also stated that the investigation would take time and should not be rushed as it concerns the law.

“Everything needs process because it concerns the law, so we cannot rush it. The important thing is that the SPDP (notice of commencement of investigation) has been issued and it states the initials of the person. I suppose it is already clear to the public who the person is. As for when more concrete legal actions will be taken, such as summons, detention, submission, and the like, it must be carried out more cautiously,” he said.

As for education at Al Zaytun Islamic Boarding School, the Government, Mahfud stated, has decided to not close any educational institution, adding that the Government will foster and develop the boarding school to fulfill students’constitutional rights.

“The students and their guardians have the rights to choose their educational institution, but we will control and monitor the [study] material. As for security, the Governor of West Java and vertical authorities have already handled it,” he remarked.

For the record, Al Zaytun Islamic Boarding School in Indramayu regency, West Java province has been in the news due to its controversial religious teachings and its leader who was reported to have allegedly misused assets of the school. (RF/UN) (DH/MMB)