Jusuf Kalla Comments on Abdul Somad's Alleged Blasphemy Case
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20 August 2019 16:31 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Vice President Jusuf Kalla voiced regret upon the remark from cleric Abdul Somad, which eventually caused him to be reported to the police. The VP maintained that a religious lecture should put forth peacefulness.
“All of us, either Islam, Christian, Buddha, in delivering a sermon must promote peace and respect toward each other,” Kalla said at the VP office in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, August 20.
The Islamic cleric Abdul Somad grabbed the public’s attention after a video had spread showing him commenting about the Christian Cross widely deemed inconsiderate towards Christians. Abdul was answering a question from a guest in the event.
Because of this, Abdul Somad was reported to police’s Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) by several organizations such as the Horas Bangso Batak Community, Brigade Meo Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT), and The Indonesian Christian Students Movement (GMKI).
Responding to the public outcry, Abdul Somad sent out a clarification video to explain the initial video that sparked the whole issue. He maintains that the event was a private event and was only meant for Muslims in the community and that he was merely answering a guest’s question.
EGI ADYATAMA
