Al Zaytun Leader Panji Gumilang Held in Custody over Alleged Religious Blasphemy
Jakarta, Indonesianpost.com – Panji Gumilang, the leader of Al Zaytun Islamic Boarding School in Indramayu, West Java, has been officially named a suspect in a religious blasphemy case by the Central Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) of the Indonesian National Police. Prior to being declared a suspect, he was questioned by Bareskrim investigators on Tuesday, August 1, 2023.
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Brigadier General Djuhandhani of Bareskrim stated that based on the results of the case review process, everyone involved agreed to elevate Panji Gumilang’s status to that of a religious blasphemy suspect.
“After the case review process, everyone agreed to raise Mr. PG’s status to that of a suspect,” said Brigadier General Djuhandhani as quoted from VIVA on August 2, 2023.
The decision to name Panji Gumilang as a suspect came after the police conducted a case review meeting attended by investigators and other relevant parties, who unanimously agreed on his suspect status.
“Subsequently, at around 9:15 PM, we issued the arrest warrant,” he added at Bareskrim.
As previously known, Panji Gumilang, the leader of Al Zaytun Islamic Boarding School, was questioned for the second time regarding alleged religious blasphemy. He was initially questioned as a witness.
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Based on observations by VIVA at the location, Panji Gumilang arrived around 1:22 PM, wearing a blue shirt and a black peci (traditional Muslim cap). He was accompanied by his legal team.
Moreover, Panji Gumilang entered the Bareskrim building under tight security by several members of the Bareskrim Polri Provost.
“Clear the way, make way. Wait for a moment. This is up to Mr. Panji. This is an examination,” said one of the Provost members escorting Panji Gumilang on Tuesday, August 1, 2023.
When asked about his health condition, Panji Gumilang only gave a thumbs-up gesture. Likewise, when asked about his preparation for the examination, he also gave a thumbs-up gesture without uttering a single word.