Indonesian minister clarifies Palestinian national's deportation, reaffirms support for Palestine

Coordinating Minister for Law and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra met with leaders of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and other Islamic organizations to clarify the case of Palestinian national Abdul Karim Raeq Miqdad. The meeting, held at the MUI headquarters on Wednesday evening, aimed to address public and social media speculation surrounding Abdul Karim's arrest and deportation.

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On behalf of the MUI leadership, I convey my deepest thanks to Prof. Yusril. We know how extraordinarily busy he is, yet he still made time to attend MUI directly. Jazakumullah khairan, may this be a charitable deed.

Abdul Karim, a foreign national holding a Palestinian passport, was apprehended by Indonesian police following an international red notice issued by Interpol. He was subsequently deported to Cyprus. Yusril explained that following the deportation, various narratives had emerged, including claims that Cyprus intended to hand Abdul Karim over to Israel. This possibility caused concern among some groups in Indonesia.

During the meeting, MUI Chairman KH Anwar Iskandar expressed appreciation for Minister Yusril's initiative in opening a dialogue. "On behalf of the MUI leadership, I convey my deepest thanks to Prof. Yusril. We know how extraordinarily busy he is, yet he still made time to attend MUI directly. Jazakumullah khairan, may this be a charitable deed," Kiai Anwar stated. He emphasized that the meeting served as an important moment for clarification (tabayyun), ensuring that religious leaders and heads of Islamic organizations received a complete understanding of the deportation case without compromising Indonesia's constitutional commitment to supporting Palestinian independence.

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Prof. Yusril's explanation was very clear. Our friends from Palestine here will, God willing, receive a very clear explanation and need not worry, as this is a personal case.

Sudarnoto Abdul Hakim, Head of MUI for Foreign Relations, welcomed Yusril's official explanation, noting its importance in calming controversies fueled by a lack of official government information. He stated that Yusril's direct explanation provided legal certainty and reassurance, particularly for Palestinian nationals residing in Indonesia. "Prof. Yusril's explanation was very clear. Our friends from Palestine here will, God willing, receive a very clear explanation and need not worry, as this is a personal case," Sudarnoto added. Minister Yusril reiterated Indonesia's consistent and unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause, assuring attendees that the handling of Abdul Karim's case did not alter this fundamental stance.

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The handling of the case [arrest and deportation of Abdul Karim] does not change Indonesia's commitment to Palestine.