MUI Demands Accountability For The Ethics Of Broadcasting Institutions In The Aftermath Of The Xpose Uncensored Program

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) stated that it condemns and demands accountability for journalistic ethics and broadcasting institutions, following the broadcast of content in the "Xpose Uncensored" program in Trans 7 which was broadcast on October 13, 2025.

The show, which contains narratives and visualizations related to the Lirboyo Islamic Boarding School and the Islamic boarding school environment in general, is considered to have injured the dignity of kiai, santri, and pesantren institutions as pillars of Islamic education and da'wah in Indonesia.

"The content that is broadcast, especially with provocative titles and narratives and tends to judge, has violated the principles of journalistic ethics, accuracy, and social responsibility of broadcasters," said Deputy Chairman of the MUI Advisory Council Zainut Tauhid Saadi in Jakarta, Wednesday, quoted by Antara.

Zainut assessed that the show was not only inaccurate in describing the diverse reality of pesantren life, but also showed fatal negligence in data research and verification, leading to the spread of negative disinformation and stigma.

Islamic boarding schools, he said, are educational institutions that have been tested in the history of the nation's struggle and have a major contribution in shaping the moral and spiritual character of the people.

"We appreciate the apology that has been conveyed by Trans 7, but we consider that an apology alone is not enough," he said.

However, he still asked the television to apologize massively through their various broadcast platforms, not only to the Lirboyo Islamic Boarding School specifically, but also to the entire extended family of Islamic boarding schools in Indonesia who feel aggrieved.

"Take firm and measured action against the individuals responsible for the production and broadcast of the problematic content," he said.

MUI also urges the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) and the Press Council to immediately investigate thoroughly and impose strict administrative sanctions in accordance with the provisions of the legislation applicable to Trans 7.

"This sanction is important as an effort to maintain the quality and morality of public broadcasts," he said.

KPI and the Press Council were also asked to supervise and ensure the ethical development of journalism and broadcasting so that similar incidents do not happen again. narrations that have the potential to divide and harm community groups, let alone religious institutions, must be stopped.

MUI appeals to the entire community, especially the extended family of Islamic boarding schools, students, alumni, and sympathizers, to maintain conduciveness and calm amid a wave of disappointment.

"Giving full trust to supervisory institutions such as KPI and the Press Council to resolve this issue in accordance with the applicable law and ethics corridors," he said.

MUI also encourages all broadcasting institutions in Indonesia to produce and broadcast content that is educational, inspiring, and factual about the life and contribution of pesantren.

"Media should be a partner in strengthening national and religious values, not the other way around," he said.