Indonesia’s Gus Miftah Faces Backlash After Viral Video Insulting Vendor
Jakarta, Indonesia – A prominent Indonesian figure known for his religious teachings is facing criticism after a video went viral showing him insulting a street vendor.
Miftah Maulana Habiburrahman, better known as Gus Miftah, was participating in a religious gathering in Magelang when a street vendor carrying iced tea and bottled water passed by. Audience members can be heard in the video urging Gus Miftah to buy something from the vendor. Instead of engaging directly, he reportedly made disparaging remarks about the vendor’s appearance and work.
The incident drew immediate comparisons online to a contrasting act of kindness.
Social media users contrasted Gus Miftah’s behavior with a recent incident featuring young
singer Niken Salindry. The Kediri native, known for her Javanese “sinden” performances, bought iced tea and orange ice from a street vendor during one of her events.
Salindry, in a display of empathy, told the vendor, “How much is that in total? 100 miles. Okay, everybody can take it, okay. If you want to take it, just take it. "You can dance, bro, you don’t have to play baskets,"
The singer also added a heartfelt wish for the vendor: "May your business always be prosperous and may you always be healthy."
The juxtaposition of these two scenes sparked widespread debate on social media, with users highlighting the stark contrast in behavior from two individuals in positions of public influence.
[**Embed the original social media post by @Paradox * here]
This incident comes at a time when public figures in Indonesia are facing increased scrutiny over their behavior. The country, home to the world’s largest Muslim population, places a high value on respect for others, particularly those in less privileged positions.
