Currently the Talk of the Town, Reviewing 9 Controversies of Gus Miftah Who Recently Resigned as the President's Special Envoy

Kapanlagi.com - Gus Miftah, a preacher who is currently capturing public attention, has become a hot topic across various social media platforms. The leader of the Ora Aji Islamic Boarding School in Sleman Regency has gone viral due to several of his controversial actions.

His story began when he made harsh comments to a tea seller during a religious lecture in Magelang, which was followed by a derogatory statement towards the legendary artist, Yati Pesek, with inappropriate words.

Recently, Gus Miftah is known for his unique and seemingly eccentric preaching style. His candid sermons often touch on specific individuals or groups, frequently provoking strong reactions from the public.

Here are nine controversies surrounding Gus Miftah that are currently being widely discussed and have triggered negative reactions from the public, summarized by Liputan6 on Monday (9/12).

1. 1. Insulting the Iced Tea Vendor at the Recitation Event

In a viral video, Gus Miftah became the center of attention after insulting an iced tea vendor named Sunhaji at the Magelang Berselawat event, using hurtful words like "stupid." This action has drawn harsh criticism from various circles, who believe that the behavior of a religious leader should reflect an attitude of mutual respect, especially towards those who are struggling to make a living.

Amidst the laughter of the audience, Gus Miftah found himself further sinking in public perception, which doubts his integrity. Facing a wave of protests, he apologized to Sunhaji and chose to step down from his position as the Special Presidential Envoy for Religious Harmony.

This decision was made after reflecting on his actions, showing how important it is for a public figure to maintain their words and behavior, as every action can have a significant impact on their image in the eyes of society. Although some defended it as a joke, the impact of this incident clearly tarnished his reputation.

2. 2. Insulting the Legendary Artist Yati Pesek

Gus Miftah has come under scrutiny again after his statement which was deemed insulting to the legendary artist Yati Pesek. In a circulating puppet show video, Gus Miftah appeared to make comments that belittled Yati's appearance, sparking public outrage, particularly from artists and cultural figures.

Yati Pesek, who has carved out a career in the arts for many years, felt pressured and hurt by the remarks that were seen as mockery. She expressed that throughout her career, she had never received such treatment, even crying upon hearing Gus Miftah's comments, which she considered an inappropriate joke.

3. 3. Preaching at Bethel Indonesia Church

In 2021, Gus Miftah surprised many with his bold preaching initiative at Bethel Indonesia Church, an action that immediately triggered a wave of criticism from a handful of people who deemed preaching in non-Muslim places of worship as inappropriate. However, behind the sharp criticism, there were also voices of praise that saw this initiative as a symbol of interfaith tolerance.

This controversy reflects the divide in public opinion regarding the boundaries of interfaith preaching, while also sparking heated debates about the role of religion as a bridge for dialogue among different faiths, even though this approach is not always accepted by all groups.

4. 4. Hitting His Wife's Head in Public

In 2024, Gus Miftah shocked the public when cameras captured an unexpected moment where he hit his wife's head in public. The action, which was considered a joke, immediately drew criticism from netizens who deemed the act inappropriate and reflective of a lack of respect towards women, especially considering his position as a religious figure who should serve as a role model. This incident sparked a heated debate about the boundaries of humor in public contexts, while also reinforcing scrutiny of Gus Miftah's communication style, which is often seen as violating the norms of decency that should be upheld by a religious leader.

5. 5. Calling One of the Islamic Parties a Wahhabi Party

In a stirring lecture in Lampung, Gus Miftah made a shocking statement by calling the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) a Wahhabi party, which immediately triggered a strong reaction from PKS cadres and supporters who felt slandered. This controversy highlights the sharp impact of political comments, especially when they come from influential figures with a wide audience.

Many argue that religious leaders should be more careful in their speech to avoid dividing the community. This incident serves as an important reminder of the need to maintain neutrality and caution in expressing political views, especially for those in the public eye.

6. 6. Distributing Money During the Campaign in Madura

In the warm atmosphere leading up to the 2024 elections, Gus Miftah has become the center of public attention after distributing money to worshippers at a religious event in Madura. Although he claims that the action was a form of charity, many doubt his intentions and suspect a political undertone behind the money distribution.

The controversy has spread, with sharp criticism from various circles questioning whether Gus Miftah, an influential religious figure, is leveraging his popularity to support a particular party. This case highlights the importance of transparency and a clear separation between religious activities and politics, to avoid harmful speculation.

7. 7. Insulting Other Preachers with Wayang

Gus Miftah recently came under public scrutiny after his comments were deemed derogatory towards Ustaz Khalid Basalamah during a wayang performance at his pesantren. A fierce debate erupted on social media, where many argued that as fellow preachers, Gus Miftah should demonstrate mutual respect and support, rather than attacking each other. This incident not only adds to the series of controversies surrounding his name but also creates doubt in the minds of the public about unity and integrity within the religious community.

8. 8. Preaching in Nightclubs

Gus Miftah, a brave preacher, once chose a nightclub as his stage for preaching, hoping to reach the community beyond the confines of traditional places of worship. Although his intentions were considered noble, this step drew sharp criticism for being seen as damaging to the image of Islamic preaching.

Amidst the pros and cons, many questioned the effectiveness of this approach, while others praised it as a bold breakthrough that challenges norms. This controversy reflects the challenges of finding a balance between innovation and religious values, and it shows how new methods of preaching can spark debate, especially when involving locations deemed inappropriate for religious activities.

9. 9. Comparing the Ban on Mosque Speakers with Dangdutan

In a lecture that sparked debate, Gus Miftah boldly compared the ban on the use of mosque speakers with the habit of using loudspeakers for dangdutan. However, his statement received sharp criticism from some members of the community who felt that his remarks seemed to belittle religious values.

Many believe that such a comparison is inappropriate for a religious figure to make, creating a wave of anger that reveals how sensitive this issue is. This controversy serves as a mirror of how important it is to exercise caution in communication, especially when it concerns the beliefs and traditions of the community.

10. Q: What is Gus Miftah's purpose in preaching at the church?

A: In the spirit of strengthening tolerance and building bridges of dialogue among religious communities, concrete steps are taken to create a harmonious atmosphere of mutual respect.

11. Q: Why did Gus Miftah compare the ban on mosque speakers to dangdut music?

He is determined to challenge policies that he considers unjust, even though his actions may potentially trigger a wave of controversy.

12. Q: How did the community respond to the insult against the iced tea vendor?

Many voices condemned the action, stating that the behavior displayed was unworthy of a religious figure.

(kpl/mni)