JK Considers Legal Action After Being Reported to Police, Explains Use of 'Shahid' in UGM Lecture

Former Vice President of Indonesia (10th and 12th terms) Jusuf Kalla is considering legal action after being reported to the police over alleged blasphemy related to his lecture at the Gadjah Mada University Mosque during Ramadan 1447 Hijriah/2026 CE.

“We will consider it because if it is not prosecuted, this will happen again,” said JK, his familiar nickname, during a press conference in Jakarta on Saturday (18/4/2026).

JK is considering filing a counter-report against those who made the blasphemy allegation against him, feeling that he has been slandered.

“Slander is more cruel than murder. Everyone is slandering me,” he said.

Nevertheless, JK stated that he is leaving everything to his legal team. In addition, JK does not prohibit members of the public from reporting him to the police. “Many members of the public want to (report, ed.) because they are offended. The public cannot be stopped if they want to,” he said.

Meanwhile, JK explained that he only spoke about peace during his lecture at the UGM Mosque and did not commit blasphemy.

“The event at UGM was a lecture during the fasting month, as is done everywhere, in mosques. I was invited, I came, because the theme was peace. So, specifically, the theme was about steps towards peace,” he clarified.

Regarding the word ‘shahid’

He also explained his use of the word “shahid” in that lecture. According to JK, he was in a mosque and the congregation did not understand martyr.

“So, I said, yes, because they are almost the same, shahid and martyr are almost the same. The only difference is the method,” said JK.