Minister Of Religion Yaqut Mocked By Netizens Not Understanding Arabic, NU Activist Gun Romli Gives A Shocking Reply!

Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas (Photo: DOK ANTARA)

JAKARTA - A video circulating of the Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas using a translator when meeting with Saudi Arabian officials has gone viral on social media.

This video clip was also responded to by Papuan figure Christ Wamea, via his Twitter account, @PutraWadapi. There have been several tweets from Christ responding to the viral video, ranging from "embarrassing" to "Laughing like only understanding Arabic."

Warganet was no less boisterous with the viral video. The @yani**** account, for example, wrote, "Only in the Jokowi era there was a minister of religion using an Arabic translator. Even though he was the Minister of Religion from a Muslim-majority country...krik...krik..."

This satire was answered by Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) activist Mohamad Guntur Romli. Gun Romli, his nickname, said that it was only natural that Minister of Religion Yaqut used a translator. Because, the language used in Saudi Arabia is not an official language (Fusha) but Aamiyah (market).

As a result, the Minister of Religion of Yaqut who is proficient in Arabic through studying the Yellow Book does not necessarily understand the current language.

"This must be accompanied by a translator, the Arabic language of classical books is different from the current conversational Arabic. Those who comment below don't know anything about Arabic," said Gun Romly by replying to Chris' tweet, which was reported on his official Twitter, @GunRomli , Tuesday, November 23.

According to Gun Romli, those who are used to reading and understanding the classic yellow book may not immediately understand contemporary Arabic.

"This is related to the development of the Arabic language itself, between classical Arabic and conversational language. The visit of Minister of Religion Gus @YaqutCQoumas is to ensure state services for worship and Hajj & Umrah pilgrims, so I met with the Minister of Hajj, spread moderate understanding and tolerance, met you with the Minister For Islamic affairs, meet with the Governor of Makkah, Kadrun is only busy with interpreting," he said.

For information, the video clip that went viral occurred when Minister of Religion Yaqut met the Governor of Makkah to discuss the Indonesian government's readiness to re-deploy Umrah pilgrims as the handling of COVID-19 was under control.

"Today I met the Governor of Makkah, Khalid bin Faisal. I convey information that the handling of COVID-19 in Indonesia is generally under control," said Minister of Religion Yaqut in a written statement quoted by Antara, Sunday, November 21.

To the Governor of Makkah Khalid bin Faisal Al Saud, Minister of Religion Yaqut said his ministry continues to educate prospective pilgrims for Hajj and Umrah to be disciplined in implementing health protocols.

On that occasion, Minister of Religion Yaqut also conveyed policies in preparing for the departure of Umrah pilgrims.

"The Indonesian government has also carried out vaccinations for prospective Hajj and Umrah pilgrims," he said at the Makkah Governor's office.

The Minister of Religion stated that in order to seek health for prospective Umrah pilgrims, the Ministry of Religion made a one-stop Umrah policy.

Other policies related to PCR for prospective Umrah pilgrims, the Minister of Religion added, will focus on health facilities in Indonesia recommended by the Saudi government.