JK Opens Possibility of Pursuing Legal Route Over Blasphemy Allegations

Vice President of Indonesia’s 10th and 12th administrations, Jusuf Kalla (JK), has opened the possibility of pursuing legal channels regarding accusations of religious blasphemy directed at him following a speech at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). Nevertheless, JK stated that such a step is still in the consideration phase. He conveyed this during a press conference in the Brawijaya area, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, on Saturday (18/4/2026). He mentioned that his team is currently studying the legal aspects of the circulating accusations. “Let them all know, those big talkers, what they are doing right now? We will consider it, because if not prosecuted, this will happen again. Be careful what you say everywhere,” said JK. He views the accusations against him as a form of slander. Although opening the door to legal action, JK admitted he would not rush to report certain parties. He noted that many members of the public have taken the initiative to report the issue. “Many people want to file complaints. So I’ll see how it develops first,” he said. JK also stated that he prefers to leave the matter to his legal team and the public, while hoping that those considered to be slandering him will realise their mistake. “I myself hope that God forgives them,” he said. On the other hand, JK reiterated that his statements in the UGM speech were not intended to blaspheme religion. He said the remarks were made in the context of explaining conflicts that occurred in Poso and Ambon. Previously, former Vice Presidents Jusuf Kalla was reported to Polda Metro Jaya after a viral video of his speech on ‘dying as a martyr’. Jusuf Kalla was reported for alleged religious blasphemy. The reporter in this case is the Indonesian Christian Youth Movement (GAMKI). They reported Jusuf Kalla to the Integrated Police Service Centre (SPKT) of Polda Metro Jaya on Sunday (12/4) night. “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). The GAMKI report was registered under number LP/B/2547/IV/2026/SPKT/POLDA METRO JAYA, dated 12 April 2026. In the report, Sahat as the reporter accused Jusuf Kalla of alleged religious blasphemy as referred to in Article 300 and/or Article 301 and/or Article 263 and/or Article 264 and/or Article 243 of Law Number 1 of 2023. Sahat stated that Jusuf Kalla’s viral speech on ‘dying as a martyr’ on social media hurts the hearts of Christians because it does not align with Christian teachings.