REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Former secretary of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) Munarman was arrested by the Indonesian anti-terror police (Densus 88) at his home on Tuesday (April, 27). Munarman was accused of being linked to alleged terrorist activities in Indonesia.

A lawyer, Azis Yanuar, said that 20 lawyers, including attorney of Habib Rizieq Shihab, would defend Munarman. Azis was included in the ranks of Munarman's defense attorney who was also Habib Rizieq Shihab's lawyer.

The National Police's Special Detachment 88 Anti-terror Team arrested Munarman at his residence in Pondok Cabe, Pamulang District, South Tangerang, Tuesday, around 15.30 WIB.

Munarman was caught by several members of Densus 88, then taken to Polda Metro Jaya in a white car.

Munarman was arrested on suspicion of being involved in allegiance activities / taking the oath of allegiance in Jakarta, Medan and Makassar several years ago. This activity is thought to lead to acts of terrorist radicalism.

Head of Public Relations Division of the National Police, Inspector General Argo Yuwono, confirmed the reason for the arrest. The Head of the General Information Section (Kabagpenum) Kombes Ahmad Ramadhan also conveyed the same statement.

Azis Yanuar rejected the police's reason for arresting Munarman. Munarman, according to Azis, only attended seminars, not allegiance activities.

"Munarman explained that at that time he was present at the seminar. If there were problems or other matters outside the seminar, he did not know anything," said Azis.

Munarman is an Islamic activist in Indonesia with having close ties to Habib Rizeq Shihab, who is currently serving detention. Munarman was known to be critical of the Indonesian government and often spoke out loud.

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