Indonesian Ethics Council Summons MP Over Cleric Drug Trafficking Allegations

The Indonesian House of Representatives' Ethics Council (MKD) has summoned Member of Parliament Aboe Bakar Alhabsyi following his controversial remarks alleging the involvement of Madurese clerics in drug trafficking. The MKD has scheduled a hearing for April 14, 2026, to obtain clarification from the legislator regarding his statements, which have sparked considerable public attention and concern.

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I was shocked, sir, that clerics have started to get involved too with narcotics, please check if it's true?

The controversy stems from Alhabsyi's participation in a meeting with the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) on April 7, where he emphasized the need for collaboration in combating drug abuse. During the meeting, he cited Madura as an example, expressing shock that clerics and Islamic boarding schools there were allegedly involved in narcotics, suggesting significant financial gains were the motive.

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Islamic boarding schools too, sir. It turns out there is profit in it, sir. There is a lot of profit, not a little.

Alhabsyi's assertions have raised questions about the integrity of religious figures and institutions in Madura. While he expressed concern that powerful businessmen might be influencing these individuals, his public statements have placed a spotlight on the complex issues surrounding drug trafficking and its potential infiltration into various societal structures. The MKD's intervention aims to address the implications of these remarks and ensure accountability within the legislative body.

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I am worried that those playing are those who have positions, sir, because this or big businessmen.