Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Mahfud MD, delivered the remarks at Yogyakarta's House of Representatives Building on Saturday.
"Panji Gumilang became so comfortable with his position (that he became complacent), then committed alleged criminal stuff and blasphemy according to the public," the minister said.
According to Mahfud, Al Zaytun had its roots in the Islamic State of Indonesia for commandment area 9 (NII KW9), which was born from the New Order intelligence operation aiming to divide the outlawed Kartosoewirjo-led original NII.
After the NII was divided, Gumilang, who, at the time, was a part of that organization, bailed and established the boarding school in 1996, he added.
From that point onwards, the New Order government has supported the institution, he noted.
"So that's why, do not be surprised to know that Mr. B.J. Habibie intend to allocate Rp1.2 trillion (US$80 million) to develop Al Zaytun. How does it come to be? It's suggestion from Mr. Malik Fadjar, Religious Affairs Minister," he explained.
Minister Mahfud said that the suggestion, at that time, was believed to be good, considering Gumilang had separated himself from NII and expressed opposition to that organization.
Later on, Gumilang established buildings that were named after national figures, such as Soekarno and Hatta, in the boarding school's complex, he added.
He said that the institution encouraged its students to memorize the Pancasila, its logo, and national heroes, and develop a good sense of citizenship.
After getting a lot of support, including central government funding, the school grew to its current grand and extravagant campus, he added.
"It is so luxurious, more so than Indramayu City even though it is inside Indramayu. So grand, good, like a modern city, but it is inhabited by students," he continued.
Mahfud said that he believes Gumilang became too comfortable with the situation, became complacent, and committed the alleged blasphemous actions, and even money laundering.
Although those allegations are still being investigated, he stressed that the government will not cease the educational institution's operation.
"How would you dismiss 5,400 people who are currently pursuing education of elementary, middle, high levels in that boarding school? Where would you put them? If we dismiss them, it would violate Constitutional rights," he added.
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Translator: Luqman Hakim, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Sri Haryati
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