Jakarta – A notorious cleric, identified as Habib H, who has been reported for alleged sexual abuse, failed to answer the National Child Protection Commission's (KPAI) summons to explain the allegations on Friday.

"He couldn't come because he is still in Bogor," KPAI deputy chairman Asrorun Ni'am Sholeh said in Jakarta.

Habib H sent a relative, Gondho Yudistiro, to represent him instead. Gondho quoted Habib H as asking to postpone the meeting until next week.

"We will reschedule the meeting to Monday or Tuesday next week," Ni'am said. Nia'am suggested that the victims be handled by a psychiatrist.

Habib H is known to have close ties with Rizieq Shihab, chief patron of hard-line group the Islam Defenders Front (FPI).

Habib H was reported by the families of alleged victims in December last year. The police have questioned the victims and Habib H. However, the police have yet to name a suspect in the case. (lfr/cor)