In a tearful press conference, Indonesian cleric Gus Miftah announced his resignation as Special presidential Envoy for Religious Harmony and the Development of Religious Facilities. The decision comes after widespread criticism over a recent rant directed at Sunhaji, an iced tea seller, during a religious recital in Magelang.
Nine petitions, signed by hundreds of thousands of people, had called for Gus Miftah’s resignation from his state position. The cleric,whose full name is Miftah Maulana Habiburrahman,expressed remorse for his actions and apologized for the offense caused.
“I have decided to resign from my duties as the president’s Special Envoy for Religious Harmony and the Development of Religious Facilities,” he said,his voice trembling with emotion. “I will not change my preaching style,but I promise to be more careful in choosing my words.”
gus Miftah, who heads the Ora Aji Islamic boarding School, acknowledged the impact of his words, notably given his public profile as both a religious leader and a government appointee. “because maybe I don’t realize that today I am more known to people. All the cameras are focused on me,” he explained.
The controversy surrounding Gus Miftah’s remarks was further fueled by the circulation of an older video allegedly showing him insulting senior comedian Yati Pesek. Gus Miftah addressed this,stating that the video was from a year ago and that he maintains a good relationship with Pesek.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Gus Miftah expressed his gratitude to President Prabowo Subianto for the trust placed in him, despite his humble beginnings. ”What touched me was not that I lost my position. Pak Prabowo’s trust in me was very big, very big, as actually I come from a street child background, who associates with the world of thuggery, localization and even nightclubs,” he admitted.
“And what makes me shed tears is that I have not been able to become what Mr Prabowo expected,” gus Miftah said, his voice choked with regret.
Gus Miftah’s Resignation: A Turning Point?
Gus Miftah’s resignation highlights the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the responsibilities that come with public office, particularly for religious figures. his case raises questions about the boundaries of acceptable discourse and the potential consequences of inflammatory language, even when delivered with religious intent.
the incident also underscores the power of social media in shaping public opinion and holding individuals accountable for their actions. The swift backlash against Gus Miftah’s remarks, fueled by online petitions and viral videos, demonstrates the growing influence of digital platforms in contemporary indonesian society.
As Indonesia grapples with issues of religious tolerance and social harmony, Gus Miftah’s resignation serves as a reminder of the importance of respectful dialog and the need for leaders to exercise restraint in their public pronouncements.
Indonesian Islamic preacher Gus Miftah has responded to the recent resurgence of a controversial video featuring him and controversial figure Yati Pesek. the video, which has gone viral again, shows the two engaged in a heated exchange.
“Even if it is indeed taken, it goes viral again, so what can I do?” Gus Miftah said, acknowledging the video’s reappearance online.
He went on to express a philosophical outlook on the situation, stating, “This means that I always say that good people must have a past, and I believe that bad people must have a future.”
Gus Miftah confirmed that he had been in contact with Yati Pesek and revealed his intention to visit her in Sragen, Central Java.
(pus/wes)
## World Today News – Expert Interview
**Headline:** **Gus Miftah’s Resignation: A Blow to Religious Harmony or a Lesson in Humility?**
**Introduction:**
The recent resignation of Indonesian cleric Gus Miftah as Special Presidential Envoy for Religious Harmony and the Development of Religious Facilities has sparked widespread discussion about the role of religious figures in society, freedom of speech, and the consequences of inflammatory rhetoric. To shed light on this complex issue, we spoke with Dr. aisyah Rahman, a leading expert on Islamic studies and inter-religious dialogue at the Institute for Islamic Studies, Jakarta.
**Q: Dr. Rahman, Gus Miftah stated he won’t change his preaching style but will be more careful with his words. How do you assess this statement considering the controversy?**
**Dr. Rahman:** This statement highlights a crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect of religious leadership: the weight of words. While Gus Miftah has the right to express his beliefs,he must recognize the influence his position wields. As a religious leader and government appointee, his words carry significant weight and have the power to incite both positive and negative reactions.
Careful choice of language is not simply about avoiding offense; it’s about fostering understanding and respect within a diverse society.
**Q: Some argue that Gus Miftah’s resignation is a setback for inter-faith dialogue and religious harmony. Do you agree?**
**Dr. Rahman:**
While his resignation is undoubtedly a loss in terms of his potential contributions to religious harmony, it also presents an prospect for reflection. This incident underlines the need for continuous dialogue and education on
responsible rhetoric, particularly for religious leaders.
Furthermore, it reminds us that building bridges between communities requires not just eloquent words but also genuine empathy, respect, and a willingness to listen to dissenting voices.
**Q: What lessons can be learned from this controversy, both for religious leaders and for society at large?**
**Dr. Rahman:**
For religious leaders, this incident underscores the importance of accountability and humility. They must remember that their words have consequences and should prioritize fostering understanding and unity within society.
For society at large, it serves as a reminder to critically engage with religious rhetoric and hold leaders accountable for their words.We must promote a culture of constructive criticism and open dialogue, while upholding the principles of tolerance and respect for all faiths.
**Q: Looking forward, what steps can be taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future?**
**Dr. Rahman:**
establishing clear ethical guidelines for religious leaders, promoting media literacy to critically assess religious rhetoric, and fostering interfaith dialogue are crucial steps.Educational initiatives that promote intercultural understanding and respect for different belief systems are also essential in building a more harmonious and inclusive society.
**Conclusion:**
Gus Miftah’s resignation leaves behind a complex legacy. While it marks a setback for religious harmony, it also presents an opportunity for reflection and change. By learning from this controversy, both religious leaders and society at large can work towards a more tolerant and understanding future.
**Thank you for your insightful analysis, Dr. Rahman.**
