MUI Highlights Need for Enhanced Religious and Moral Education in Wake of Sexual Violence Case at FHUI

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has voiced its concern over the alleged case of verbal sexual violence involving a student at the University of Indonesia’s Faculty of Law (FHUI). MUI Deputy General Chairman KH Cholil Nafis assessed that the case serves as a serious warning that higher education cannot solely emphasise intellectual aspects but must also strengthen the moral and spiritual dimensions for students. “Yes, I am saddened that our children, who are future leaders at a prestigious campus that produces tomorrow’s leaders, need to incorporate moral education, Pancasila education, and religious education. Becoming a leader requires more than just intellectual intelligence; moral character is essential,” he stated after the National Islamic Organisations’ Silaturrahmi and Halal Bi Halal for Eid al-Fitr 1447 H event by the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) in Jakarta on Wednesday night (15/4/2026). According to Kiai Cholil, building civilisation cannot rely solely on intellectual intelligence. Emotional and spiritual intelligence is required to produce a generation that is not only intelligent but also of good character. He encouraged educational institutions, including UI, to strengthen the role of places of worship as centres for student character development. “I hope that the UI Mosque, for Muslims, becomes a centre for civilising our young people for the future through religious means. Similarly, other religions should be encouraged so that intellectualism is not devoid of emotional strengthening and religious fortitude,” said Kiai Cholil.