TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) leader Rizieq Syihab is the third most popular ulema among the middle class, a survey says. The poll was held by Alvara Research Center about the middle class’ (civil servants, state-owned enterprise employees and professionals) perception of radicalization, the caliphate, jihad and Islamic state in Indonesia.

The survey shows that the most popular ulemas among the middle class are female cleric Mamah Dedeh with 25,3 percent, followed by Abdullah Gymnastiar (Aa Gym) with 23.4 percent and Rizieq Syihab with 13.9 percent.

Read also: Police Place Rizieq Shihab on Most Wanted List

“Rizieq has gained popularity thanks to his appearances in conventional media, online media and social media. The popular ulemas are above other ulemas who have [more] comprehensive knowledge” Alavara Research Center CEO Hasanuddin Ali told Antara news agency on Monday.

Hasanuddin Ali said that the survey involved 1,200 respondents in six major Indonesian cities: Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Surabaya, Medan and Makassar. The respondents comprised of people aged 25-40 working as civil servants, private firms and state-owned enterprises employees, using face to face interview method.

“In terms of perception, senior ulemas are deemed to be more respected but they are not well known among professionals,” Hasanuddin said.

Rizieq Syihab currently lives in Saudi Arabia after being named a suspect in a pornography case.

ANTARA