Content of JK's Statement Deemed to Hurt Christian Community
A police report has been lodged against Jusuf Kalla regarding his statement on ‘martyrdom’ delivered at the Gadjah Mada University (UGM) campus mosque in Yogyakarta, leading to a viral video on social media that has drawn the 10th and 12th Vice President of Indonesia to the Metro Jaya Regional Police on suspicion of religious defamation.
The complainant is the Indonesian Christian Youth Movement (GAMKI), which visited the Integrated Police Services Centre (SPKT) of the Metro Jaya Regional Police on Sunday night (12/4).
“We from the Indonesian Christian Youth Movement came earlier to report Mr Jusuf Kalla. Our presence also represents around 19 Christian institutions and community organisations,” said GAMKI General Chairman Sahat Martin Philip Sinurat to reporters, quoted on Monday (13/4/2026).
The report was registered under number LP/B/2547/IV/2026/SPKT/POLDA METRO JAYA dated 12 April 2026. Sahat reported Jusuf Kalla on suspicion of religious defamation as referred to in Article 300 and/or Article 301 and/or Article 263 and/or Article 264 and/or Article 243 of Law No. 1 of 2023.
One of JK’s statements highlighted is: “Why does religion easily become a reason for conflict like in Poso and Ambon? Because both Islam and Christianity believe that dying or killing or putting to death is martyrdom. During the conflict, both sides hold that belief. If I kill a Muslim, I am a martyr. If I die, I am also a martyr. In the end, it’s hard to stop.”
Sahat assessed that the statement hurts the Christian community because it does not align with Christian teachings.
“Therefore, we reported it to the Metro Jaya Regional Police, so that this statement, which has caused a stir on social media, can be directed and resolved legally,” he added.
He emphasised that Christian teachings do not justify violence against fellow humans, including those of different faiths.
“In fact, Christian religious teachings do not teach that; we are even taught to love our fellow humans, even our enemies,” he added.
Sahat left open the possibility of forgiveness if Jusuf Kalla issues an apology. However, they leave the legal process to the authorities.
“Precisely because we forgive, we do not want this to become a stir on social media. Because we see on social media that Mr Jusuf Kalla is then criticised and cursed by many netizens. So we place this in the legal realm,” said Sahat.
Meanwhile, General Chairman of the Central Board of Catholic Youth Stefanus Asat Gusma said the report was made because the circulating content was deemed disturbing.
“So we are reporting tonight so that the situation can be controlled by law enforcement authorities,” said Stefanus.
According to him, JK’s statement circulating on social media has triggered unrest to the point of producing SARA-tinged comments.
“Comments on social media are already mutually insulting, humiliating, and involving SARA,” he said.
JK Demanded to Apologise
Stefanus hopes Jusuf Kalla will soon respond to the report and provide an open clarification.
“Our hope is that as a national figure, Mr JK will respond to this well, at least by giving an open statement, apologising, and then clarifying everything,” explained Stefanus.
He also mentioned that they would coordinate with networks of organisations throughout Indonesia to help calm the situation. In addition, they hope the Metro Jaya Regional Police will follow up on the report.
The editorial team has contacted JK’s Spokesperson, Husain Abdullah, for comment. However, as of this news being published, there has been no response from JK’s side.
JK Denies Defaming Religion
Previously, JK’s Spokesperson, Husain Abdullah, denied the accusation of religious defamation. He said the circulating narrative is the result of context cutting.
“However, after investigation, the accusation is the result of context cutting. We firmly deny that accusation,” said Husain when contacted on Sunday (12/4).
Husain explained that JK’s statement was delivered during a speech at the Gadjah Mada University (UGM) campus mosque in Yogyakarta on Thursday (5/3/2026). In its full context, JK affirmed that no religion teaches murder.
“JK described his efforts to reconcile the Poso and Ambon conflicts to the UGM academic community. Where JK first straightened out the beliefs of the two conflicting groups, Muslims and Christians, that they had acted wrongly by using religious jargon as a justification that caused thousands of lives to be lost from both sides. And the conflict was hard to stop,” he explained.