Six suspected supporters of hardline Indonesian Islamic cleric Rizieq Shihab were killed in a clash with police on Monday.
The police had been investigating firebrand cleric Rizieq Shihab for violating health protocols during the coronavirus pandemic. after large crowds gathered to celebrate his return from self-exile in Saudi Arabia.
According to Jakarta police chief, the incident occurred just after midnight on a highway when a police car was attacked while following a car believed to be carrying supporters of the cleric. This resulted in a shootout.
The 55-year-old controversial cleric, who left Indonesia after facing charges of pornography and insulting state ideology, heads the Islamic Defender’s Front, a conservative Islamic group that has become politically influential in recent years.
Shahib’s self-imposed exile hasn’t diminished his appeal. Supporters say allegations against the leader are untrue and an attempt to discredit him.
Shahib, who was the figurehead of the hardline ‘212’ movement that opposed Jakarta’s former Christian governor, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, had thousands of followers gathered at the airport to welcome him when he returned to Indonesia in November.
Since his return, Shihab has been meeting political leaders and has announced hi plans to embark on a “moral crusade”.
Islamic Defenders Front, has a record of vandalising nightspots and throwing stones at Western embassies with an intent to defend Islamic culture. The group has significant influence thanks to various charity and humanitarian work it undertakes.
