Sandiaga Apologizes for Stepping over Tomb of NU Founder
13 November 2018 18:44 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The pilgrimage activity conducted by the vice presidential candidate number 02, Sandiaga Uno, at the cemetery of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) founder Bisri Syansuri in October, led to criticism.
Sandiaga is said to have stepped over the tomb of Kiai Bisri. In a 15-second video that went viral, Sandiaga appeared to sprinkle flowers and then he stepped over the tomb which sparked criticism from the PBNU Executive Board official, Nasyirul Fallah Amru.
“I apologize for the activity that becomes a controversy,” Sandi said through an audio recording sent to Tempo on Tuesday afternoon, November 13.
Sandiaga explained that he had no idea following his attitude that sparked criticism. He also said that he did not intend to step over the tomb.
The former Jakarta deputy governor explained that when the incident took place, he was accompanied by a pilgrimage guide who instructed to do that. “I do not want to blame. He and I are human beings who are full of mistakes,” he said.
Sandiaga said that currently, his team was coordinating with the pilgrimage guide to ask for an explanation. “We are waiting for clarification,” he said.
FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA
