REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) regretted the statement of Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Indonesia, Osamah Muhammad al Shuaibi on flag burning case in Garut, West Java. PBNU chairman Said Aqil Siradj said Saudi Ambassador's statement has committed a hard diplomatic violation, which is interfering in the political affairs of a country outside its authority.

According to Siradj, Ambassador al Shuaibi said in his Twitter account that the flag was burned by a deviant organization. Siradj stressed the comment disturbed Indonesia - Saudi Arabia diplomatic relations.

“We express strong protest,” said Siradj on Monday (Dec 3).

PBNU believed during this time, Indonesia has good diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia Kingdom. Moreover, Indonesia is a country that has a large number of hajj pilgrims. At least, 20 percent of hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia are Indonesians.

“We want this relationship to be maintained well, we hope Saudi Government can provide protection to Indonesian people there, to be treated fairly and more humanely,” Siradj explained.

However, Siradj saw this relationship tainted by Saudi Ambassador's statement which has spread misleading information. PBNU said Ambassador al Shuaibi has deliberately spread slander by accusing that the flag burning case was carried out by almunharifah congregation organization (a heretical or deviant organization).

“In this case, GP Ansor has given sanction to the individuals behind the case and even NU big family regretted the incident,” PBNU secretary general, Helmy Faishal Zaini added.

PBNU urged Indonesia Government to submit a note to the Saudi Government. PBNU called on the government to issue a memorandum of objection to give Ambassador al Shuaibi sanction to send him back to Saudi Arabia.

"This is part of the sanctions for his rash action by interfering Indonesia political affairs,” Helmy added.

Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika