Gus Miftah Apologizes and Meets the Iced Tea Seller Directly

Kapanlagi.com - Gus Miftah Maulana Habiburrahman, who is also known as the Special Presidential Envoy for Religious Harmony, recently came under public scrutiny after a video showed him hurling harsh words at an iced tea seller during a religious lecture, which went viral on social media. In the video, Gus Miftah appears to be joking with the iced tea seller named Sunhaji, but his words were perceived as insulting and humiliating to the seller.

Netizens had varied reactions, with many condemning Gus Miftah's actions as excessive and inappropriate to be done in public, especially by a cleric. After the video went viral, Gus Miftah eventually provided clarification and apologized for his actions. He admitted that his remarks were meant as a joke, but he realized that it could offend many people.

As a responsible step, Gus Miftah met directly with Sunhaji in Magelang, Central Java, on December 4, 2024, to personally apologize. How did this series of events unfold? Here is a complete review of the incident that sparked this controversy.

1. Incident that Triggered Controversy

Gus Miftah Apologizes and Meets the Tea Seller in Person. (instagram/gusmiftah)

At a religious gathering in Magelang, Gus Miftah, who was preaching, made a joke that unexpectedly became controversial. The video shows Gus Miftah telling a tea seller named Sunhaji to sell using harsh words. His words were met with cheers from some of the congregation. This statement immediately drew sharp criticism from the public.

2. Viral Video that Caused a Stir

Gus Miftah Apologizes and Meets the Tea Seller in Person. (instagram/magelang_raya)

After the video circulated widely on social media, various reactions emerged from netizens condemning Gus Miftah's actions. Many felt uncomfortable with the words that were considered degrading to small vendors in front of many people, which could even affect someone's self-esteem.

3. Gus Miftah Clarifies and Apologizes

Gus Miftah Apologizes and Meets Directly with the Iced Tea Seller. (instagram/magelang_raya)

Gus Miftah, who felt his words were not well received, expressed his apology through a video. He explained that the intent of his statement was just a joke, but he acknowledged that the joke was inappropriate and apologized to all parties who felt disturbed.

4. Meeting with the Iced Tea Seller

Gus Miftah Apologizes and Meets Directly with the Iced Tea Seller. (instagram/magelang_raya)

On December 4, 2024, Gus Miftah met directly with Sunhaji at his residence in Banyusari Village, Magelang. There, he personally apologized to Sunhaji and expressed regret over the incident. Sunhaji also accepted Gus Miftah's apology and felt happy to be visited.

5. Gus Miftah Responds to Public Criticism

In his clarification, Gus Miftah emphasized that he often jokes with people around him, but he also realizes that on some occasions, those jokes can hurt others' feelings. He expressed that this incident has become a valuable lesson for him to be more careful in his actions.

6. Warning from the Cabinet Secretary

Gus Miftah Apologizes and Meets Directly with the Iced Tea Seller. (instagram/gusmiftah)

As a result of this incident, Gus Miftah revealed that he has received a warning from the Cabinet Secretary (Seskab), Mayor Teddy Indra Wijaya. The warning reminded Gus Miftah to be wiser and more cautious when speaking in public, especially regarding the feelings of the general public.

7. Conclusion and Lessons Learned

Although this incident started as a joke, it has become an important lesson for everyone to be more careful in their speech. Gus Miftah also emphasized the importance of maintaining demeanor and words so as not to offend others, especially in a crowded public setting.

That is the latest news regarding Gus Miftah's apology and his direct meeting with the iced tea vendor. Stay tuned for other news. If not now, WhenAgain?

(kpl/kpc)