Miftah Resigns After Backlash for Mocking Iced Tea Seller
President Prabowo Subianto has saidMiftah Maulana Habiburrahman, the Special Presidential Envoy for Religious Harmony and the Development of Religious Facilities, did not intend to be malicious or insult an iced tea seller.
Prabowo admitted that he knew Miftah well and believed his language was unintentional and not intended to be hurtful. “I know him, maybe because he socializes and often lectures among the lower classes. Maybe he used language that was not malicious, not despicable,” Prabowo said at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta last Friday.
However, Subianto also admitted that Miftah’s words were a mistake and that Miftah himself realized this and chose to resign. Prabowo even described Miftah’s resignation as an act of chivalry. “He realized he was wrong, he is responsible. He resigned,” said Prabowo.
Prabowo expressed his appreciation for Miftah’s act of taking responsibility, calling it rare in Indonesia. “He himself is aware that he was wrong.”
Miftah Maulanahari released a statement announcing his resignation from his position last Friday, without disclosing the specific reasons behind the decision. However, his resignation came after widespread criticism for making light of an iced tea seller named Sunhaji at a religious event in Magelang, Central Java earlier this month.
In his statement, as quoted by local media, Miftah stated that his decision was made without pressure and stemmed from love and respect, while also honoring his responsibility to Praboo Subianto who had appointed him to the role.
Although further details surrounding the incident were not immediately clear, the incident sparked a
conversation
about responsible language and the importance of respecting everyone regardless of their profession.
Do you think President Prabowo Subianto’s defense adequately addressed public concerns about language and respect, considering Miftah Maulana Habiburrahman’s acknowledgment of his mistake? [[1](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/indonesia-politics-golkar-airlangga-hartarto-jokowi-prabowo-4549801)]
>**Interviewer:** President Prabowo Subianto defends Miftah Maulana Habiburrahman’s actions, stating they were unintentional and not meant to be hurtful. However, Miftah himself chose to resign, acknowledging his mistake and taking responsibility. This incident has sparked national conversations about language and respect. What are your thoughts on this situation? Do you believe Miftah’s resignation was a necessary consequence of his actions, or was Prabowo’s defense sufficient? Weigh in on the notion of responsibility and accountability in public figures.
