Jakarta – Former leader of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), Rizieq Shihab, has reportedly frozen the activities of the Tim Pembela Ulama dan Aktivis (TPUA), an organization dedicated to defending religious scholars, and activists. The decision, according to TPUA Chairman Eggi Sudjana, stems from the prolonged controversy surrounding allegations of a falsified academic degree held by Indonesian President Joko Widodo.
Sudjana revealed that Shihab communicated his decision during a meeting held on Sunday, February 15th. The move comes as scrutiny intensifies over President Widodo’s educational credentials, a topic that has fueled considerable debate within Indonesian political circles. This development marks a significant shift within a network previously known for its vocal defense of conservative Islamic viewpoints and its involvement in politically charged issues.
“The TPUA has been frozen by Habib Rizieq. Essentially, the mandate has been withdrawn, and I, along with Damai Hari Lubis (DHL), have submitted to that decision, as DHL is my Secretary-General,” Sudjana stated to reporters at the National Police Criminal Investigation Unit (Bareskrim Polri) on Wednesday, February 18th. He further explained that Shihab advised him to refocus efforts on advocating for truth and to join the Komando Pelaporan Bela Islam (Korlabi), an organization focused on reporting in defense of Islam.
The decision to freeze TPUA also comes amidst legal challenges involving Sudjana and Lubis. Both individuals have filed reports with the Metro Jaya Regional Police concerning alleged defamation and slander against Roy Suryo and Ahmad Khozinudin. Shihab, but, has indicated he will not intervene in these legal proceedings, stating they are a private matter between Sudjana, Lubis, Suryo, and Khozinudin. According to Sudjana, Shihab also disagreed with claims labeling him and Lubis as traitors.
“According to Habib Rizieq, this is a personal matter between myself and DHL. It has nothing to do with Habib Rizieq, and he does not want to get involved, as We see a legal issue between me and Ahmad Khozinudin and Roy Suryo,” Sudjana clarified.
Prior to these developments, Eggi Sudjana and Damai Hari Lubis formally reported Roy Suryo and his legal counsel, Ahmad Khozinudin, to the Metro Jaya Regional Police on January 25th, 2026, alleging defamation and spreading false information through electronic media. Police confirmed receipt of the reports.
“It is true that on Sunday, January 25th, 2026, two police reports were received regarding alleged defamation and/or slander and defamation through electronic media,” stated Budi, a police spokesperson, as reported by CNN Indonesia on Monday, January 26th. He confirmed that two separate police reports (LP) were filed: one by Eggi Sudjana against Roy Suryo and Khozinudin, and another by Damai Hari Lubis solely against Roy Suryo. The reports allege that the complainants’ reputations were damaged by statements made by the respondents in the media.
The freezing of TPUA represents a notable development in the landscape of Indonesian political Islam, particularly given Rizieq Shihab’s prominent role as a conservative figurehead. The organization’s suspension, linked to the ongoing controversy surrounding President Widodo’s academic qualifications, underscores the complex interplay between political narratives, legal challenges, and religious activism in Indonesia. The future direction of both TPUA and the individuals involved remains to be seen, as they navigate these evolving circumstances.
As Eggi Sudjana shifts his focus to Korlabi, and Rizieq Shihab distances himself from the legal battles, observers will be watching to notice how these changes impact the broader dynamics of political discourse and advocacy within Indonesia. The ongoing debate surrounding President Widodo’s degree is likely to continue shaping the political landscape in the coming months.
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