Jakarta – Radical Islamic cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir failed to meet President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Thursday to file a petition calling for the implementation of sharia.

Ba'asyir, who was escorted by dozens of supporters from the Indonesian Mujahiddin Council (MMI), was barred by the presidential guards from entering the Merdeka Palace. The guards said Ba'asyir's group had not received security clearance from the State Secretariat.

Ba'syir said he wanted to meet the President to convey his message about implementing sharia in state affairs. "Or the country will suffer from further moral degradation," he said.

After turning around to enter Merdeka Palace from its front gate, Ba'syir's and his group were once again held back by presidential guards. The group later dispersed after handing over a book and a written statement.