Rizieq's New Rostrum

After leading two mass rallies on November 4 and December 2 last year, Rizieq Syihab gained more public attention. In early January, his followers heard reports of a proposal to name this founder of the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) Grand Imam of the Muslim Community.

In Indonesian history, the title of 'grand imam' has only been given to S.M. Kartosuwiryo, leader of the rebellious Indonesian Islamic State (NII) movement. Nevertheless, in Rizieq's eyes, the push for him to become a Grand Imam is something proper in accordance to the Constitution. "However, there has been no instruction to that effect from the FPI," said Rizieq at the House of Representatives (DPR) two weeks ago. "I am still, just the Grand Imam of the FPI," said the father of seven daughters.

January 24, 2017