Viral Men Kicking Offerings On The Slope Of Semeru, Khofifah Reminds One To Respect Diversity

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa/PHOTO VIA ANTARA

SURABAYA - East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa reminded the public to respect each other's diverse customs and cultures so as not to injure the local wisdom of an area, including in the Mount Semeru area.

This statement was made by Khofifah at the Grahadi State Building, Surabaya, responding to the case of the disposal of offerings at the Mount Semeru disaster site, Lumajang Regency.

"It's better to be tabayyun (looking for clarity until it is clear and correct). Ask for an explanation for what this is. So doing good things is done in a good way and with a good purpose, and it must go hand in hand," he said, quoted by Antara, Monday, January 10.

Khofifah reminded that Indonesia has various tribes, customs and cultures so that fellow citizens must respect each other.

"If there is a cultural issue, the approach must be cultural. Then, if it is a religious issue, the approach must be religious," he said.

"So doing things that might offend certain tribes, cultures and customs. Again, it's better to be tabayyun, ask the community first," said Khofifah.

Previously, a viral video of a person wearing a black vest cursing the use of offerings in the Mount Semeru area. In the video, he throws offerings in front of him, some even being kicked by the man.

The East Java Regional Police even formed a team to chase the man who kicked the offering.

"We have formed a team to search for the perpetrators," said the Head of Public Relations of the East Java Police, Kombes Gatot Repli Handoko.

The middle officer of the National Police said that his party is now conducting a search as well as monitoring the social media that uploaded the video.

He appealed to the community and volunteers to maintain conduciveness around the disaster area, including Mount Semeru.

"Because so far Lumajang has started to be peaceful, starting to be safe, and starting to get good. Don't let it be damaged by videos containing SARA and we must respect the local wisdom of the area," he said.