Friski Riana, Jakarta – After blaming the Indonesian government for Rizieq Shihab's current situation, the head of the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) legal aid, Sugito Atmo Prawiro, said he would set up consolidation among FPI members to collect enough funds to settle the FPI leader's hefty fine.

"If, for example, the Indonesian government decides not to pay, [FPI members] will consolidate to help pay off the fine," Sugito told Tempo today at his office.

According to him, there were three occasions on which Rizieq was barred from exiting Saudi Arabia, which all took place before his permit's expiration date on July 20, 2018. He said that Rizieq tried to travel to Malaysia from Saudi Arabia on July 9, 12, and 15.

Sugito explained that Rizieq intended to finish his dissertation in Malaysia at the time, but was unable to travel abroad after he was barred from exiting SA. "How can someone be barred before their visa's stay permit ended?" said Sugito.

Sugito claimed the current situation was attributable to one of Indonesia's "powerful institutions" and placed the blame on the Indonesian government. He also strongly suggested that the government should pay the fine for Rizieq Shihab's overstay that had amounted to Rp110 million.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1223874/fpi-lawyer-members-will-raise-funds-to-pay-off-rizieqs-fine