REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, DENPASAR -- Charismatic cleric from Pekanbaru, Riau province, Abdul Somad expressed his appreciation towards all Hindus people in Bali. He also said that the presence of Bali King, Ida Cokorda Pemecutan XI on tabligh akbar (grand sermon) at Baiturrahman Mosque in Denpasar as a form of friendly attitude and brotherhood.

Chairman of the ustaz Abdul Somad Care Forum (FPUAS), Ahmad Syaifullah said ustaz Somad feel respect of the King's presence. He said, it showed the true Balinese attitude.

"Hindus in Bali are very open with the presence of other people as it can maintain harmony in all the region in the province," said ustaz Somad, as retold by Syaifullah on Monday (December 11).

Syaifullah said, ustaz Somad did not believe that the people who 'persecuted' him were part of the Balinese community. He assessed, they are the people who come out from tradition, customs, and hospitality of Balinese people.

Last week, a group of youth mass organizations that called themselves as Balinese Citizen Component (KRB) refused the presence of ustaz Somad in Bali. 

The mass members was less than 100 people, which consist of Laskar Bali, Banaspati, Patriot garuda Nusantara (PGN), Perguruan Sandhi Murti, and other youth mass organisations. KRB had confronted ustaz Somad at Aston hotel, Denpasar, where the cleric stayed. 

The mass also staged demonstration until it was ended with mediation. However, the incident that happened to ustaz Somad was considered as a form of persecution.

Ustaz Somad was invited to preach in Bali in his safari da'wah event.

Meanwhile, secretary general of Laskar Bali I Ketut Ismaya conveyed an apology to all Muslims in Indonesia, especially in Bali. He said through a social media Facebook with the same name.

"I apologize to all Muslim for my mistake because I'm an imperfect human being. However, my heart and intention is noble, I want to keep Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) and Bali. There is no intention of harassing any other religion, especially Islam which the great religion in this country," said Ismaya.

Ismaya also explained about incident that happened. His arrival to Aston hotel with the members of mass organization was not intended for sweeping. However, he wanted to talk directly with ustaz Somad.

"Because we didn't meet, I look around the hotel area and shout that people who're not NKRI should be kick out from Bali," Ismaya added.

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