Gus Miftah and Common People Drama

No one expected that a joke could end in a big storm. Gus Miftah, a famous preacher who is also President Prabowo Subianto's Special Envoy suddenly went viral and drew criticism after referring to iced tea seller in a joking tone that was considered demeaning. For some people, the joke was nothing more than a joke. However, for others, the words destroyed their self-esteem.

At its peak, Miftah Maulana—Gus Miftah's real name—decided to resign from his position as President Prabowo Subianto's Special Envoy. This decision, although considered responsible, opened up a big question: how should a public figure behave in the digital era, when every word can be a weapon that strikes back?

This controversy began with a lecture delivered by Gus Miftah. In the lecture, he made a joke targeting iced tea sellers. According to him, it was just a light joke. However, in cyberspace, it can be different. The context is often distorted. His words sparked a storm of criticism, spreading quickly through social media.

Even Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim highlighted this issue. A local joke suddenly became an international topic. The impact? Gus Miftah not only lost public trust but also his position as a representative of the country.

The public reaction did not stop on social media. The Palace, through the Presidential spokesperson, issued a stern reprimand. President Prabowo Subianto reportedly immediately asked for clarification from Gus Miftah. This reprimand shows the government's basic principle: respect for the common people is a non-negotiable obligation.

The DPR also spoke out. They proposed that the Ministry of Religion issue certification for preachers. This step aims to ensure that preachers not only understand religion, but also have good public ethics.

This case is not only a lesson for Gus Miftah, but also reflects the power of the common people in the digital era. Social media has again become a big stage where previously unheard voices can now become agents of change.

In this case, the iced tea seller who was previously only the object of jokes turned into a symbol of resistance against stigma and insults. The voice of the common people, expressed through social media, reversed the hierarchy of power. Those who were once considered powerless now have great influence in creating social pressure.

Gus Miftah's decision to step down has drawn mixed reactions. Some praised it as an introspective step, while others saw it as a way to avoid further criticism. However, this step did not immediately erase the social impact that had occurred. Gus Miftah not only lost his position as the President's Special Envoy for Religious Harmony and Development of Religious Facilities but also had to face the stigma of being a public figure who failed to watch his words.

This case touches on a fundamental issue: how religious figures and public figures maintain moral responsibility. Gus Baha, a prominent preacher, once said that preaching should create comfort, not conflict. Gus Miftah's case is proof that words, even if intended as jokes, can become a burning fire if not delivered wisely.

In the digital era, every word is a weapon. For a public figure, that responsibility becomes even greater. They are not only speaking for themselves, but also carrying the name and hopes of the people they represent.

However, this lesson does not only apply to public figures. The public also needs to understand that criticism, although a right, must be done wisely and empathetically. Don't let criticism turn into character slaughter that actually creates new wounds.

The most interesting thing about this case is the strong message behind it. Gus Miftah may have made a wrong move, but the common people who were the victims of the joke proved that they cannot be underestimated. Social media, although often considered wild, has given them a stage equal to those in power.

The digital era has reversed the order of power. It is no longer only those who have positions who have a voice, but the common people can now influence the direction of policy. There are many examples. In the case of Gus Miftah, the iced tea seller who was previously an anonymous figure has now become a symbol of the power of collective voice.

Gus Miftah's decision to step down may close one chapter of the story, but it is not the end of the lessons that can be learned. This case reminds us all that in the digital era, in this increasingly connected world, every word is a responsibility. For those who are unable to keep their words, the consequences are a very high price.