Jusuf Kalla's Statement Tends To Be Provocative, Calling The Economy Lame Because Only 1 In 10 Muslim Rich People

JAKARTA - Former Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia (RI), Jusuf Kalla (JK) conveyed an unexpected thing at a gathering held by the National Assembly of the Alumni Corps of the Islamic Student Association (KAHMI), Monday, June 14 yesterday.

JK said that the Muslim economy is crippled because of the 10 rich people, only one of them is Muslim.

"From an economic perspective, if there are 10 rich people, the highest is 1 Muslim. But if 100 people are poor, at least 90 people are poor. So our economic situation is crippled," said JK in front of SOE Minister Erick Thohir who was also present at the event held virtually.

Former Democrat politician Ferdinand Hutahaean also commented on JK's view. For Ferdinand, rich and poor have no direct correlation with one's religion.

"Being rich is not because of religion, but because of hard work, tenacity and intentions. If you are lazy, whatever your religion is, you must be poor," explained Ferdinand via his Twitter account @FerdinandHaean3, quoted Tuesday, June 15.

Ferdinand continued, JK should not associate rich-poor with the beliefs held by someone.

"So Mr. JK's comments linking religion with poverty or wealth are inappropriate and tend to be provocative to hate each other," said Ferdinand.

JK, who is the chairman of the Indonesian Mosque Council (DMI), also called on Muslims to emigrate. In this case, what JK means by hijrah is to jointly improve the country's economic conditions.

The reason, said JK, is that in this way the Indonesian economy can improve, which of course will have an impact on strengthening the economy of Muslims. "Because if the national economy is 99 percent prosperous, the people will also be prosperous," he said.