Australian pastafarian who wears colander on head reveals arrest warrant issued by Indonesian police over alleged ‘mocking’ of religion

A man who wears a colander on his head, as part of his religion, has revealed Indonesian authorities have issued a warrant for his arrest over his alleged “mocking of recognised religions”. Far North Queensland resident Syaban Shadikillah attracted national attention from media coverage of his odd headwear, which erupted into a dispute over a licence photo depicting him wearing the cooking utensil. Mr Shadikillah is a “Pastafarian” – a follower of the satirical religion known as the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. The Cairns Post reported he had repeatedly been questioned by authorities over his wearing of the colander, only for them to accept his argument the headwear was considered the same kind of religious headwear as a hijab or turban. Under Queensland law, wearing headwear in driver’s licence photos is prohibited unless it is for religious reasons – in which case it must be adjusted to show “all facial features” from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead. Pastafarianism is legally recognised as a religion in Australia – with the Cairns Post reporting Mr Shadikillah’s licence was therefore not considered valid. “There is a religious exemption here,” Mr Shadikillah told the outlet. “Everybody is equal under the law. “If you give the exemption to the Muslim and the Sikh community, why don’t you give that exemption to everyone? “That’s the point. It’s a political point, basically.” Speaking to A Current Affair on Wednesday, Mr Shadikillah explained his licence had been confiscated by Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads, only for the department to return it and order him to have a new photo taken. “It’s basically discrimination, that’s the way I see it,” he told the program. “This is not Indonesia or Iran or Pakistan – this is Australia.” While Mr Shadikillah’s media appearance has prompted a wave of support from fellow Pastafarian, the poultry worker has revealed Indonesian police have issued a warrant for his arrest back home – accusing him of mocking recognised religions. Mr Shadikillah now faces up to five years’ jail in Indonesia. “I think Indonesia is no longer safe for me,” he told A Current Affair, adding his family were “worried” for his safety. The program reports the federal government is considering a protection visa to allow Mr Shadikillah to stay. Mr Shadikillah had first explained to The Cairns Post he was considered a fugitive back home after his conversion for Islam “I’m actually a fugitive back home,” he said. “Anyone that has made blasphemous remarks on any official religion in Indonesia could be punished with five years’ imprisonment. “That’s why I’m staying here.”