"We are going to mull over this matter soon," he told the media at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, on Monday.
Earlier on December 4, 2024, a legislator from Commission VIII of the House of Representatives (DPR), Maman Imanulhaq, asked that the government roll out certifications for Islamic preachers to ensure that they have adequate religious knowledge.
"The Ministry of Religious Affairs needs to certify Islamic preachers," he stated in Jakarta.
He made the suggestion in response to a viral video of Islamic preacher and special presidential envoy Miftah Maulana making inappropriate comments to an iced tea seller at an event in Magelang, Central Java.
The rude language used by Miftah drew public outrage, with people on social media platforms X and Instagram saying his comments were unbecoming of a preacher, who is supposed to spread messages of peace.
According to the lawmaker, Miftah's case is a stark reminder for all parties to exercise prudence when making public remarks.
Islamic preachers need to master the wisdom found in the Quran, hadiths, and other religious sources, he added.
"The themes of the sermons should be based on religious sources. For instance, preachers can promote modesty and other positive values," he said.
He also advised preachers against resorting to offensive or sensitive remarks and jokes while delivering sermons.
Acknowledging his mistake, Miftah decided to step down from his position as special presidential envoy for interfaith harmony and religious facilities development.
"Today, with sincerity, I would like to announce the decision I have deeply contemplated. I have decided to resign from my presidential special envoy post," he announced at a press conference in Yogyakarta on December 6.
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Translator: Livia K, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
