Catholic Youth Respect JK but Request Clarification Be Delivered More Efficiently

Jakarta, VIVA – Catholic Youth have conveyed their deep respect for the role and contributions of the 10th and 12th Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Jusuf Kalla (JK), in peace efforts across various regions in Indonesia.

However, FX Sintua Widhiatmoko, Chairman of the Legal Division of Catholic Youth and legal advisor to the reporters, reminded that the responses provided should remain within a calming corridor and not broaden the polemic in the public sphere.

This was stated in response to two press conferences delivered by JK regarding his clarification on the sermon at the Gadjah Mada University Mosque some time ago.

“We greatly respect Mr Jusuf Kalla’s contributions in resolving conflicts in Poso and Ambon. However, as a national figure, political figure, and economic figure, he is also expected to position himself wisely and not emotionally in responding to this situation. Our suggestion is that Mr JK’s clarification must be effective and efficient. There is no need to hold press conferences repeatedly, especially to the point of bringing in or dragging the names of other figures like former President Joko Widodo, or as if nullifying the roles of other figures in the nation’s historical journey,” he said on Wednesday, 22 April 2026.

According to him, if connected to the reporting steps taken by Catholic Youth together with GAMKI and several community organisations, there is no connection.

This is because the reporting stems from dynamics developing in the public sphere, particularly on social media, related to the content of JK’s sermon at UGM which triggered various interpretations and disturbances.

“We need to emphasise that this report is part of a legitimate legal mechanism in responding to public disturbances. Therefore, it would be wiser if all parties restrain themselves and do not build excessive opinions before the legal stages provide clarity,” he stated.

Sintua also added that what JK said during the sermon at UGM was “over talk”.

“According to us, there is something excessive; at least there are historical witnesses who have conveyed that the situation is not entirely exactly as Mr JK described. That means there is more than one version of the story,” he said.

Furthermore, FX Sintua also regretted if the press conference held instead had the potential to create new problems by dragging in other parties outside the substance of the issue.