Indonesian academic recounts 2023 interrogations in Singapore; MHA says he drew 'security attention'

On 10 May 2025, Indonesian academic and journalist Dr Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat published a detailed account of being allegedly interrogated twice by Singaporean authorities in 2023.

Writing in Middle East Monitor, a UK-based outlet, Rakhmat claimed the interrogations occurred at Changi Airport and were linked to his scholarly and journalistic work on Middle Eastern affairs, especially Palestine.

In response to queries from Singapore state media CNA on 15 May 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) confirmed Rakhmat had undergone "interview and checks on arrival" at Changi Airport on both occasions.

The ministry stated that he had "attracted our security attention", citing his online postings in support of the Islamic State as one reason for the intervention.

Following these interviews, Rakhmat was permitted to remain in transit and board his outbound flights the next day.

MHA stated, “We will not hesitate to take action, including stopping at our checkpoints for checks and interviews, or even denying entry into Singapore, any foreigners whom we assess may pose a security threat to our country and society.”

The ministry added that “entry into Singapore is a privilege, not a right,” and that such privileges could not be assumed without necessary checks.

Gutzy Asia had earlier submitted queries to MHA regarding Rakhmat’s claims, including whether a Singaporean officer had instructed him not to write or speak about the February 2023 incident, but received no response.

MHA instead responded to queries from CNA, though its statement did not acknowledge or address that specific allegation.

Alleged questioning tied to academic work

In the article, Rakhmat stated that the first incident occurred in February 2023, while he and his wife were transiting overnight in Singapore.

Planning only a brief stopover on their return to Indonesia from South Korea, Rakhmat said he was stopped at immigration, separated from his wife, and taken to a secluded room.

According to his account, three individuals identifying themselves as security officers questioned him extensively.

He said the officers asked about his travels, personal background, and most notably, his writings on the Middle East. His phone was seized and examined.

References to his writing on Palestine

One officer reportedly called him a “prolific writer,” which Rakhmat interpreted as proof that they had investigated him in advance.

He said they appeared focused on his views regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and asked, “Why do you write about the Middle East, especially Palestine?”

Although no formal accusation was made, Rakhmat said the line of questioning and the emphasis on his publications implied suspicion linked solely to his work.

He claimed that one officer told his wife the questioning was related to his journalism.

After several hours, Rakhmat said he was released and escorted to the departure gate, though his planned layover was disrupted.

Before leaving, one officer allegedly advised him not to write about the encounter—advice Rakhmat has now chosen to disregard.

Second incident during return transit in September 2023

Seven months later, in September 2023, Rakhmat again transited through Singapore—this time while flying from South Korea to Indonesia.

He said that upon scanning his passport at immigration, he was immediately flagged and again taken aside for questioning.

Although the interrogation was shorter, he claimed it bore the same tone and focus.

When re-entering the airport the next morning, he said he was again stopped at a special immigration counter.

“This was not accidental,” he wrote, adding that his name and passport had clearly been red-flagged in Singapore’s system.

Ironically, Rakhmat pointed out that he maintains professional ties with Singapore, including an affiliation with the Middle East Institute at the National University of Singapore.

Despite this, he said the officers showed no interest in his credentials, focusing solely on his publications and political views.

Rakhmat said he has travelled to more than 40 countries and is no stranger to airport scrutiny.

He cited an earlier instance of being stopped under the UK’s Schedule 7 law at Manchester Airport.

However, he described the Singapore incidents as particularly disheartening given his history with the country.

Singapore, he said, was the first country he visited as a young student and a place he had returned to multiple times without issue in the past.

Academic freedom and freedom of expression under scrutiny

In his article, Rakhmat linked his experience to Singapore’s geopolitical stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

He alleged that while Singapore officially supports a two-state solution, it maintains strong military and political ties with Israel, including purchasing Israeli-made weaponry.

In October 2024, in response to then-NCMP Leong Mun Wai’s inquiry, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan declined to confirm whether Singapore would halt arms sales to Israel if there are reasonable grounds to suspect their use in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Balakrishnan emphasised the Singapore government’s policy of not publicly disclosing details of defence sales for national security reasons.

Rakhmat warns of rising academic censorship and the global silencing of pro-Palestinian voices

According to Rakhmat, criticism of Israel and open support for Palestinian rights may be discouraged in Singapore’s tightly regulated environment.

Rakhmat framed his experiences as part of a broader issue of increasing constraints on intellectual freedom.

He warned that when states begin interrogating people for their published opinions, it poses a serious threat to global academic and journalistic independence.

“The chilling effect is real,” he wrote, adding that he now avoids transiting through Singapore and declines invitations to speak or attend events in the country.

Rakhmat concluded that scholars and journalists must remain vigilant and continue speaking out against oppression, including support for the Palestinian cause.

He argued that Singapore cannot claim to be a hub for global dialogue while simultaneously suppressing dissenting voices.

He reiterated that writing about Palestine should not be grounds for suspicion or interrogation, stating: “Palestine is not a taboo. Palestine is not a crime.”

In Feb 2024, Singaporean Influencers cautioned over Gaza-related posts and overseas activism

In February 2024, Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that two social media influencers, Camira Asrori and Dahlia Mohd, were issued advisories over their public comments and activities related to the Gaza conflict.

Camira alleged she was detained at Tuas Checkpoint, had her passport confiscated, and was made to delete a social media post referencing a protest in Japan before being released.

Dahlia was advised to ensure donations for Gaza went to verified charities, amid concerns over potential terrorism financing. The Ministry cited public order and safety risks for discouraging overseas protest participation by Singaporeans.