A Petition Has Emerged to Remove Gus Miftah as Special Presidential Envoy

Kapanlagi.com - The call for the removal of Gus Miftah as the Special Presidential Envoy is growing stronger, marked by the emergence of several online petitions on change.org. One petition titled "Remove Gus Miftah from the Position of Presidential Envoy" has even garnered thousands of signatures in a short time. This began with Gus Miftah's statement that was deemed derogatory towards a tea seller, which then sparked sharp criticism from the public.

This incident started from a lecture by Gus Miftah at a pesantren in Magelang, Central Java, the video of which went viral on social media. During that moment, Miftah made remarks that were considered insulting to the tea seller, such as calling him "goblok" (stupid). Public responses varied, ranging from harsh criticism on social media to official calls for the removal of Gus Miftah from his position as the Special Presidential Envoy for Religious Harmony.

Several public figures have also expressed their opinions, including women's activist Kalis Mardiasih, who firmly stated that Gus Miftah is not fit to hold such a strategic position. In her social media post, Kalis mentioned that Miftah's statement reflects actions that do not respect human dignity. Amid the increasing criticism, Gus Miftah eventually apologized to the public and promised to be more careful in expressing his opinions in the future.

1. Online Petition Heats Up After Viral Video

A petition has emerged to remove Gus Miftah from the position of Special Envoy of the President (credit: instagram/gusmiftah)

The online petition urging the removal of Gus Miftah from his position as the Special Envoy of the President continues to gain support. The petition first emerged after a video of his lecture, which was deemed insulting to tea sellers, went viral on social media. As of Wednesday, December 4, 2024, the petition on Change.org has garnered over 3,500 signatures.

The post was created by Dika Prakasa, who feels that Gus Miftah's statements do not reflect the values of tolerance. “What Gus Miftah did is a reflection of his character. For the sake of alignment with you, please remove Gus Miftah immediately!” Dika wrote in the petition's description.

2. Gus Miftah's Apology After Controversy

A petition has emerged to dismiss Gus Miftah from the position of presidential special envoy (credit: instagram/gusmiftah)

In response to the viral video that sparked controversy, Gus Miftah issued a public apology. In a one-minute video, he stated, “With humility, I apologize for my mistakes. I also apologize to the community who felt disturbed by my joke that was deemed excessive.”

Gus Miftah also mentioned that he has received a reprimand from the Cabinet Secretary, Mayor Teddy Indra Wijaya, who urged him to be more careful when speaking in public. “This is a moment of introspection for me to be more cautious in expressing my opinions,” he added.

3. Response from the Government and Public Figures

A petition has emerged to dismiss Gus Miftah from the position of presidential special envoy (credit: kapanlagi.com))

The Spokesperson for the Presidential Communication Office, Ujang Komaruddin, stated that President Prabowo Subianto is accommodating various aspirations related to the calls for dismissal. “All inputs from various layers of society will be taken into account by the President,” said Ujang in Jakarta, Wednesday, December 4, 2024.

Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Jazilul Fawaid, also commented on this event. According to him, the public has the freedom to express their aspirations, including the calls for dismissal. “We just hear it as a demand and frustration. Everyone is allowed to express their opinion, especially when they are upset,” he said.

4. The Meeting Process with the Iced Tea Trader

A petition has emerged to remove Gus Miftah from his position as the president's special envoy (credit: kapanlagi.com)

After his apology, Gus Miftah met directly with Sunhaji, the iced tea trader who was the subject of his lecture video. This meeting took place at Gus Miftah's residence, where both parties forgave each other.

Previously, in the viral video, Gus Miftah made a joke, “Is your iced tea really that much? Still? Then just sell it there, stupid.” This statement was considered to demean the dignity of small traders, resulting in a strong reaction from the public.

5. Petitions That Attracted Public Attention

A petition has emerged to remove Gus Miftah from his position as the president's special envoy (credit: kapanlagi.com)

Not just one, at least seven petitions have appeared on Change.org, including Remove Gus Miftah from the President's Envoy Position which has garnered the most signatures. Other petitions have provocative titles such as Miftah's Mouth is a Sewer, the People are Angry! to Stop Gus Miftah from Being the President's Special Envoy.

6. What is the main reason for the emergence of the petition to remove Gus Miftah?

This petition arose after a video of Gus Miftah's lecture, which was considered to insult a tea ice vendor, went viral on social media.

7. What is Gus Miftah's response to the calls for his removal?

Gus Miftah stated that the calls for his removal are not within his authority. He also apologized for his remarks that were deemed demeaning.

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(kpl/sjn)