MUI Urges Government Transparency Over Arrest of 'Palestinian Citizen'

The Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) for Foreign Relations and International Cooperation, Prof Sudarnoto Abdul Hakim, has requested government transparency concerning reports of the arrest of a Palestinian citizen by law enforcement in Indonesia. Although information remains very limited and there has been no official statement from the government, he said the news was quite surprising and raised many questions and speculations. “In principle, on behalf of the Indonesian Ulema Council, I respect the authority of Indonesian law enforcement officials in carrying out their duties in accordance with the constitution, laws and regulations, and Indonesia’s international commitments. However, in every law enforcement process, the principles of due process of law, respect for human rights, transparency, accountability, and justice must remain the main foundation,” Sudarnoto told Republika on Sunday (19/7/2026). According to Sudarnoto, there are reports of the arrest of a Palestinian activist by Indonesian authorities at the request of the international police, Interpol. Republika has confirmed the truth of the arrest, although the police have so far been unwilling to disclose details of the incident. Sudarnoto said that if a legal process is indeed underway, he hopes all stages will be conducted openly, in accordance with applicable legal procedures, and provide guarantees for the individual’s rights to obtain legal assistance, access to authorised representatives, and adequate legal protection. “I sincerely hope the government will give serious attention to the humanitarian and international political dimensions in this case,” he said. The MUI chairman stressed that since its inception, Indonesia has placed support for Palestinian independence as an inseparable part of the mandate of the Preamble to the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia, which affirms that colonialism in the world must be abolished because it is incompatible with humanity and justice. This constitutional commitment should remain an important consideration in every policy concerning Palestinian citizens. Should there be a possibility of transferring the individual to another country, the government needs to ensure that such a step does not lead to a situation that could endanger the safety, basic rights, or human dignity of the person concerned. The government must also ensure that Indonesia does not become part of any process that could result in the surrender of a person to a party that potentially poses a threat to their safety, freedom, or human rights. The principles of humanitarian protection, non-refoulement, and respect for international law and international humanitarian law should be a concern in every form of inter-state cooperation. “On the other hand, I consider it important that this case does not create a mistaken perception, both domestically and abroad, as if Indonesia is reducing its commitment to the struggle of the Palestinian people,” he said. Sudarnoto reminded that Indonesia has long been known as one of the most consistent countries in defending the rights of the Palestinian people, whether through political diplomacy, humanitarian aid, or support in various international forums. This reputation and consistency must be maintained. “I also understand the concerns of some members of the public that this case could create a sense of insecurity among Palestinian citizens in Indonesia who are here for education, humanitarian, diplomatic, or other legally legitimate activities,” he said. Therefore, Sudarnoto said, the government needs to provide an adequate explanation so that a perception does not develop that Palestinian citizens in Indonesia will become targets of actions inconsistent with the spirit of friendship and Indonesia’s support for the struggle of the Palestinian people. “Because of this, I urge the government to provide an official explanation to the public regarding the legal basis, mechanisms, and guarantees for the protection of rights in this process. Proportionate information disclosure will help maintain public trust while preventing the development of various speculations that could harm Indonesia and the Palestinian struggle,” he said. On behalf of the MUI, Sudarnoto invited the entire community to address this issue calmly and wisely, and not to rush to conclusions before all the facts are revealed. At the same time, the MUI will continue to monitor the development of this case and hopes the entire process proceeds fairly, transparently, and respects national law, international law, and the humanitarian values that have been the basic principles of Indonesia’s foreign policy. “On this basis, I also encourage lawyers and human rights activists both in Indonesia and abroad to pay attention and provide assistance to Miqdad,” he said. Sudarnoto affirmed his belief that Indonesia’s support for Palestinian independence is a constitutional mandate as well as a moral mandate of the nation that must be upheld. Law enforcement and international cooperation must be able to go hand in hand with Indonesia’s commitment to defending justice, protecting human rights, and fighting for Palestinian independence. “With the arrest of Miqdad and his deportation to Cyprus, it will not in the slightest reduce the commitment of the Indonesian people and nation to the struggle for Palestinian independence, God willing.”