Indonesia's most conservative Islamic institution, the Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI), has publicly expressed its support for a harsh penalty against Trans7 TV station for airing an episode that was deemed to be disparaging towards Kiai Lirboyo, a prominent spiritual leader from West Sumatra.
The MUI, which is known for its strict interpretation of Islamic law and sharia principles, has issued a statement condemning the transgression committed by Trans7. According to sources close to the institution, the MUI views this incident as an affront to Islam and a threat to the country's moral values.
"We cannot remain silent in the face of such disrespect towards our revered leaders and the sacred teachings of Islam," said a spokesperson for the MUI. "We urge Trans7 TV station to take immediate action against those responsible and to ensure that similar incidents are prevented from occurring in the future."
The incident in question is believed to have taken place on October 27, when Trans7 aired an episode featuring Kiai Lirboyo in a mocking light. The episode was widely criticized by Islamic groups and scholars, who deemed it to be blasphemous and disrespectful.
Trans7 has since apologized for the airing of the episode, but the MUI's decision to publicly condemn the incident shows that the institution is taking a firm stance against what it perceives as a threat to Indonesia's religious harmony.
"This is not just about Trans7 TV station; it's about upholding the principles of our faith and protecting the reputation of our revered leaders," said another MUI spokesperson. "We will continue to monitor the situation closely and take further action if necessary."
The incident has sparked concerns among Islamic groups and scholars, who warn that such incidents can have far-reaching consequences for Indonesia's religious landscape.
"This is not just a case of freedom of speech; it's about protecting our faith and upholding the dignity of our revered leaders," said a prominent Islamic scholar. "We cannot allow such incidents to become a norm in our society."
The MUI, which is known for its strict interpretation of Islamic law and sharia principles, has issued a statement condemning the transgression committed by Trans7. According to sources close to the institution, the MUI views this incident as an affront to Islam and a threat to the country's moral values.
"We cannot remain silent in the face of such disrespect towards our revered leaders and the sacred teachings of Islam," said a spokesperson for the MUI. "We urge Trans7 TV station to take immediate action against those responsible and to ensure that similar incidents are prevented from occurring in the future."
The incident in question is believed to have taken place on October 27, when Trans7 aired an episode featuring Kiai Lirboyo in a mocking light. The episode was widely criticized by Islamic groups and scholars, who deemed it to be blasphemous and disrespectful.
Trans7 has since apologized for the airing of the episode, but the MUI's decision to publicly condemn the incident shows that the institution is taking a firm stance against what it perceives as a threat to Indonesia's religious harmony.
"This is not just about Trans7 TV station; it's about upholding the principles of our faith and protecting the reputation of our revered leaders," said another MUI spokesperson. "We will continue to monitor the situation closely and take further action if necessary."
The incident has sparked concerns among Islamic groups and scholars, who warn that such incidents can have far-reaching consequences for Indonesia's religious landscape.
"This is not just a case of freedom of speech; it's about protecting our faith and upholding the dignity of our revered leaders," said a prominent Islamic scholar. "We cannot allow such incidents to become a norm in our society."