Jokowi Addresses String of Ulama Criminalization Accusations
Translator
Ricky Mohammad Nugraha
Editor
Laila Afifa
Rabu, 19 Desember 2018 16:40 WIB
President Jokowi, accompanied by Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin and State Secretary Minister Pratikno, had talks with a number of ulema from Bogor and Depok before a Mawlid commemoration of Prophet Muhammad at Baitussalam mosque, Bogor Palace Complex, West Java, Wednesday, November 21, 2018. As many as 75 ulema attended the event.
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Incumbent presidential candidate Joko “Jokowi” Widodo responded to the string of rumors accusing him of intentionally criminalizing ulama or Islamic teacher.
“I need to clarify this, don’t call out ulema criminalization whenever there are legal proceedings against them. Don’t be like that,” said Jokowi at the Madura Bangkalan ulema declaration in East Java yesterday, Dec. 18.
The president pointed out that an ulama who physically attacks another person will face legal consequences and face the police, which is different to an ulama implicated in a case despite the lack of any wrongdoing.
Jokowi firmly reminded people to report to him whenever they see or experience of an ulama being falsely prosecuted; “You can report it to me. I will definitely handle it. But it is difficult if it’s within the corridors of legal proceedings,” he said.
The former Jakarta governor often expresses his concern regarding the public accusation made against him. Jokowi maintained that the issue of ulama criminalization are illogical and continues to be promoted by certain groups to misinform members of the public.
