PKS's Habib Aboe Apologises Over Statement on Madurese Ulama Involved in Drug Trafficking

PKS member of the DPR’s Commission III, Habib Aboe Bakar Alhabsy, has issued an apology following his statement claiming that ulama from Madura were involved in drug trafficking during a meeting with the BNN on 7 April. The apology was delivered by Habib Aboe after attending a summons from the Mahkamah Kehormatan Dewan (MKD) for clarification regarding his remarks. “To my media colleagues and my beloved brothers from Bangkalan, Sampang, Sumenep, and Pamekasan, the people of Madura, ulama, and community leaders, I must say I apologise,” he said, choking up. Habib Aboe admitted his mistake in making overly generalised statements that caused controversy in society. He did not deny that the remarks had cornered ulama and pesantren. However, Habib Aboe claimed he had no intention of cornering or insulting ulama. According to him, the ulama of Madura are teachers whom he respects. He said the statement was made merely as a form of concern to prevent drugs from entering pesantren environments. “My intention was to invite all parties, including religious educational institutions, to increase vigilance and strengthen prevention efforts. However, my delivery was not appropriate at this time,” Habib stated. During the meeting with BNN on 7 April, Habib Aboe revealed that ulama were now beginning to get involved in drug trafficking. According to him, drugs were now circulating in pesantren. “For example, Madura. I was shocked, sir, ulama are starting to get involved with narcotics too, check if it’s true? Pesantren as well, sir. What’s going on? It turns out there’s profit in it, sir. There’s big profit, not small,” said Habib Aboe. He was concerned that this was happening due to the involvement of big businessmen. “Well, I’m worried that those playing around here, sorry, I’m not being biased, I’m worried that those involved are people with positions, sir, or big businessmen,” he said.