Habib Aboe Bakar Sheds Tears, Apologises to Madura Ulama

Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives’ Commission III, Habib Aboe Bakar Alhabsyi, has apologised to all ulama in Madura over his statements regarding drugs during a meeting with the Head of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) some time ago. He shed tears and admitted responsibility for those statements. “Brothers, fellow media colleagues, and my beloved brothers. From Bangkalan, Sampang, Sumenep, and Pamekasan. Madura residents, ulama, community leaders—all of you. I must say I apologise,” said Habib Aboe after fulfilling a summons from the House Honour Court (MKD) at the DPR in Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday (14/4/2026). Habib Aboe admitted he was wrong in his delivery that generalised the ulama in Madura. He shed tears while delivering the apology. “A deep apology because, in my view, my language was too generalised and wrong. Once again, I apologise. Today I was summoned by the MKD to provide clarification regarding a clipped video of my statement from the working meeting with BNN,” said this PKS legislator while shedding tears. Habib Aboe claimed he had no intention of cornering the ulama and pesantren. He stated that the remarks in the meeting were in the form of concern over the circulation of drugs in Indonesia. “I understand that the narrative that has developed may create perceptions as if I was cornering the ulama and pesantren. Therefore, I emphasise once again, there is no intention at all, no intention at all from me to insult or corner the ulama, none,” he explained. “They are my beloved teachers, all of whom I respect and value. Secondly, I need to explain that the statement was made in the context of concern. So that the BNN, the drug agency, can help prevent it from entering pesantren areas and communities,” continued Aboe Bakar. He said the incident would become a valuable lesson for him. He committed to maintaining ethics as a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives. “This incident becomes a valuable lesson for me to be more kind-hearted in conveying, more careful, I mean, in conveying views in public spaces. I commit to continuing to uphold ethics, honour, and dignity as a member of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia,” added Aboe.