In a media release published by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), they confirm that that Indonesian preacher Abdul Somad Batubara (Somad) arrived at Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal on 16 May 2022 from Batam with six travel companions.
He was interviewed by the officers and denied entry into Singapore and took a ferry back to Indonesia, Batam on the same day.
Extremist and Segregationist Teachings
Somad has been accused of preaching radical and segregationist views, which are unacceptable in Singapore’s multi-racial and multi-religious culture. Somad, for example, has preached that suicide bombs are justified in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict and constitute “martyrdom” activities. He has also made derogatory remarks towards members of other religion communities, such as Christians, by referring to the Christian cross as the home of a “infidel jinn (spirit/demon).”
Somad has also openly referred to non-Muslims as “kafirs” (infidels).
“A visitor’s entry into Singapore is neither automatic nor a right. Each case is assessed on its own merits. While Somad had attempted to enter Singapore ostensibly for a social visit, the Singapore Government takes a serious view of any persons who advocate violence and/or espouse extremist and segregationist teachings. Somad and his travel companions were denied entry into Singapore.” said MHA