Reporter Asserts No Specific Interests Behind Report to JK
Jakarta, VIVA - The report against the 10th and 12th Vice President of Indonesia, Jusuf Kalla, at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), is still ongoing, according to the reporter. This is said to be part of efforts to uphold the principle of equality in a state of law.
“We respect Mr Jusuf Kalla’s clarification, particularly regarding his contributions to resolving conflicts in several regions. However, his clarification does not relate to the substance we are questioning. So the report is still proceeding,” said Saddan Sitorus, legal representative of GAMKI (Indonesian Christian Youth Movement), to reporters on Friday, 24 April 2026.
He stated that taking this case to the legal realm is a way to break the pattern of one-sided labelling of religions in public spaces. According to him, this reporting should be understood as an effort to affirm the equal rights of citizens before the law.
“What we are pushing for is equality. This is not about who is stronger, but how the law treats all citizens fairly,” he said.
He mentioned that there are several important aspects that form the basis of the reporting. First, law enforcement must ensure that alleged criminal acts against any religion are treated equally. Second, security of belief.
According to him, anyone and any religion deserves the same legal protection. So as not to feel vulnerable in public spaces. Third, public education. Saddan stated that tolerance is not just a matter of moral attitude, but a legal obligation for every citizen.
“That legal step becomes an instrument to democratise discussion spaces, where every identity is respected not because of its position, but because of its equal rights,” he said.
His side stated that the focus is on the ongoing reporting process at the Metro Jaya Police. In response to accusations that the report is backed by certain interests, Saddan described it as irrelevant speculation that appears to be an attempt to divert public attention from the substance of the report.
“It’s best not to stray anywhere; we should focus on the substance of the report,” he said.
He also revealed that the report has support from around 20 institutions and civil society organisations, both Islamic and Christian. According to him, the support is not based solely on group interests, but as a form of objection to JK’s lecture deemed offensive to the Christian religion.