While Crying, PKS's Aboe Bakar Apologises for Accusing Ulama of Narcotics Involvement in Madura

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Member of DPR RI Commission III, Aboe Bakar Alhabsyi, delivered a public apology while crying regarding his statement that touched on the involvement of ulama and pesantren in Madura in the vortex of narcotics.

The apology was conveyed by Aboe Bakar after undergoing examination at the DPR RI Honour Council (MKD), on Tuesday (14/4/2026).

“Bismillahirrahmanirrahim. Brothers, fellow media colleagues, and my beloved brothers and sisters. Starting from Bangkalan, Sampang, Sumenep, and Pamekasan. Madura residents, ulama, community leaders, all of you. I must say, I apologise,” said Aboe Bakar, in a soft voice while shedding tears at the DPR RI Building.

With a trembling voice, the senior PKS politician reiterated his apology.

Aboe Bakar stated that his presence at the MKD was a form of accountability for his statement during the Commission III DPR RI working meeting with the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) and Bareskrim Polri, which subsequently sparked controversy.

He acknowledged that the way he delivered his statement was inappropriate, thus causing multiple interpretations in society.

“I understand that the narrative that has developed can create perceptions as if I am cornering ulama and pesantren. For that reason, I emphasise once again, there is no intention at all, no intention at all from me to insult or corner the ulama, none,” he said.

Aboe Bakar stressed that the statement was actually based on concern over the increasingly widespread circulation of drugs, especially penetrating into the pesantren environment.

“However, at this time, my delivery method was inappropriate. I repeat, my statement was inappropriate. Thus causing multiple interpretations,” he said.

Aboe Bakar also admitted to having attempted to meet several community figures, including ulama, as a form of moral accountability.

“Thirdly, as a form of responsibility, my responsibility, I have tried to approach all these figures. And for now, perhaps I will delegate it first. Later, I will strive to meet them all according to my ability,” he said.

Aboe Bakar also emphasised that ulama and pesantren have an important role in safeguarding the nation’s morals.