Jakarta (ANTARA) - Islamic preacher Miftah Maulana, also the presidential special envoy, sparked public outrage after making inappropriate comments to an iced tea seller during an event in Magelang, Central Java.
A video recently surfaced that showed the President's Special Envoy for Religious Harmony and Development of Religious Facilities calling out to the iced tea seller and resorting to rude language while making a joke.
Netizens said the tea seller's discomfort was apparent from his facial expression following Miftah's comment.
Miftah was at the receiving end of public criticism voiced through social media platforms X and Instagram for his remarks, arguing that they were unbecoming of a religious figure who should promote peace and understanding.
In response, President Prabowo Subianto issued a warning to Miftah, according to the head of the presidential communications office, Hasan Nasbi.
"The president has instructed the cabinet secretary to convey a warning to the individual concerned and request (to tender) an immediate apology to Mr. Sunhaji, whose feelings were undoubtedly hurt by yesterday's incident," Nasbi stated.
Hasan expressed President Prabowo Subianto's deep regret over the incident. He underscored the significance of acknowledging and valuing hardworking individuals—such as street vendors, fishermen, and farmers—who tirelessly and diligently labor to support their families.
Baca juga: Soal kasus Gus Miftah, Cholil Nafis: Pentingnya jaga lisan dalam komunikasi publik
The head of state requested Miftah to personally apologize to Son Haji at his residence in Banyusari Village, Grabag District, Magelang District.
Hasan highlighted the incident as a critical reminder for government officials at every level to demonstrate heightened sensitivity and respect in their words and actions, particularly when interacting with ordinary citizens struggling to make ends meet.
Miftah promptly apologized, acknowledging that his remarks were intended as a joke but poorly received.
"I apologize to the public for the disturbance caused by my excessive joke. I realize my mistake," Miftah remarked on Wednesday.
Gerindra Party Deputy Chairman Budisatrio Djiwandono called for evaluating Miftah Maulana's position as the president's special envoy, citing his inappropriate remarks.
"We regret any potentially harmful statements," Budisatrio stated at the Parliament Complex in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Baca juga: Menag: Kasus Gus Miftah jadi pembelajaran
He acknowledged that Gerindra had received public feedback and criticism urging President Prabowo to remove Miftah Maulana from his position.
"We will respect his decision on any potential actions," Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives stated.
Indonesian House of Representatives' member Jazilul Fawaid acknowledged the public's outrage over Miftah's behavior as justified. He affirmed that everyone has the right to express their opinion on the matter, and the public can judge Miftah's actions as a religious figure.
"Publicly targeting vulnerable individuals is unacceptable," Jazilul noted at the Parliament Complex in Jakarta on Wednesday.
He emphasized that despite being a simple iced tea seller, the individual is still an Indonesian citizen and a fellow human deserving of respect.
"This incident should serve as a lesson for Miftah and the Indonesian people as a collective learning experience," Deputy Chairman of the DPR RI Budget Agency stated.
