Ade Armando: We Have Never Slandered Mr JK

Jakarta, VIVA – Social media activist Ade Armando has dismissed claims that he slandered Indonesia’s 10th and 12th Vice President, Jusuf Kalla (JK). “We have never slandered or accused Mr JK of being a religious blasphemer. We have never accused Mr JK—that would be slander. We have never incited division between religious communities in Indonesia,” said Ade Armando at the PSI central executive office, as reported by ANTARA on Tuesday, 5 May 2026. He explained that the criticisms he voiced, including those against Jusuf Kalla, were part of perspectives he believes are grounded in evidence, not attempts to provoke or incite division. Ade Armando also challenged those accusing him to provide concrete proof of the allegations. “Anyone who accuses me or my colleagues of doing that, I challenge them to point out exactly which part of my video shows me doing so,” he stated. According to him, if legal consequences are directed solely at him personally, he is prepared to bear them and face the process. Ade also affirmed his willingness to comply with any police summons for clarification. “If I am called by the police, I will come and explain that I have never done it,” said Ade. Previously, around 40 Islamic community organisations united under the Alliance of Islamic Organisations for Upholding Religious Harmony reported social media activist Ade Armando, Permadi Arya, and politician Grace Natalie to the police regarding a video of Jusuf Kalla’s (JK) sermon. The report was submitted to the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency and accepted under Police Report number: LP/B/185/V/2026/SPKT/BARESKRIM POLRI. The Chairman of the Legal and Human Rights Division of the Indonesian Muslim Students Union (SEMMI) Executive Board, Gurun Arisastra, explained that they reported the three individuals for uploading excerpts of JK’s sermon on their respective social media platforms. “Ade Armando uploaded the video excerpt on (YouTube) Cokro TV on 9 April 2026. Then, Permadi Arya posted it on his social media on 12 April 2026. Then, Grace Natalie posted it on her social media on 13 April 2026,” he revealed.