Gus Ipul Reports Suara Merdeka to Press Council Over Alleged Defamation

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Social Affairs Minister and Secretary General of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU), Saifullah Yusuf, known as Gus Ipul, has, through his legal team, reported national media outlet Suara Merdeka to the Press Council over two pieces of content considered to have made accusations and negative labelling.

“We appreciate the initiative and commend Gus Ipul’s steps in utilising the complaint channels provided by the Press Council,” said Deputy Chairman of the Press Council, Totok Suryanto, in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday.

According to Totok, the ever-changing and dynamic media landscape has opened access for all parties to participate. The public can now exercise their rights to obtain information and express their views.

“Thus, the opportunity for differing viewpoints and understandings of an issue is wide open. This includes the objections experienced by Gus Ipul, as reported by his legal counsel. This step must certainly be appreciated. The Press Council will conduct a study, examination, and investigation into this complaint,” Totok stated.

The first action was the submission of a formal complaint to the Press Council of the Republic of Indonesia against the online media outlet Jakarta.Suaramerdeka.com regarding articles titled ‘Gus Yahya Menjadi “Samsak” di Tengah Macetnya Meja Sekjen’ (Gus Yahya Becomes a ‘Punching Bag’ Amidst the Secretary General’s Desk Deadlock) and ‘Gus Ipul Si Biang Kerok’ (Gus Ipul The Troublemaker).

The second action was sending a formal warning to a Nahdlatul Ulama member, Hamzah Sahal, over several posts on social media and electronic media.

The legal team assessed that these publications did not stand alone as criticism but formed a series of narratives delivered repeatedly between March and June 2026, targeting the same individual, Saifullah Yusuf.

“Whether in his capacity as Secretary General of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) or as Minister of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia,” said Yudha.