Indonesian Civic Group Urges Authorities to Review Content Deemed Insulting to Muslim Clerics

JAKARTA, SuaraNegeri.co.id — The chairman of Indonesian civic organization GARDU MERAH PUTIH, Prof. H. Firmansyah, has urged law enforcement authorities to examine controversial remarks made by content creator Herri Pras, which he said demeaned prominent Indonesian Muslim clerics and an internationally respected religious figure.

Firmansyah said remarks referring to Indonesian preachers Ustaz Abdul Somad (UAS) and Ustaz Adi Hidayat (UAH) as "silent devils" and "hypocritical clerics" were inappropriate, particularly when made by someone he said lacked the religious scholarship to judge Islamic scholars.

"We regret those statements. He is not a religious scholar and therefore does not have the qualifications to pass judgment on Islamic clerics," Firmansyah told reporters in Jakarta on Friday (Nov. 6, 2026).

He said criticism of religious leaders was permissible in a democratic society, but should be expressed through reasoned arguments rather than personal insults or attacks on their religious credentials.

Firmansyah also criticized remarks directed at internationally known Islamic scholar Habib Umar bin Hafiz, saying that attacks on religious figures could deepen tensions within society.

"If someone wants to make money or produce online content, they should not do it this way. The pursuit of viral attention should not come at the expense of attacking respected religious figures," he said.

He warned that controversies involving religious leaders could fuel social tensions if handled irresponsibly, stressing the importance of preserving peace and harmony in Indonesian society.

Firmansyah said freedom of expression should go hand in hand with respect for others, particularly in a diverse society where religious issues can have a significant impact on public sentiment.

GARDU MERAH PUTIH called on the relevant authorities to review the videos circulating online and take appropriate action if any legal violations were established.

"We hope the authorities will examine the videos and take appropriate legal steps, including summoning the individual concerned for clarification. Such content should not be allowed to continue provoking public anger," Firmansyah said.

The controversy has renewed debate in Indonesia over the boundaries between freedom of expression, criticism of religious leaders and the responsibility to prevent insults and provocation in public discourse. (Gusti Haes)