Threats To Muhammadiyah Residents Become Polemics, DPR Urges BRIN To Be Wiser In Observation On Social Media

Illustration of the Minister of Social Affairs (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Member of Commission VIII DPR RI from the PKB faction, MF Nurhuda Yusro, appealed to academics and researchers from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) to be wiser in expressing opinions on social media.

This was the result of the comments of BRIN employees, Andi Pangerang Hasanuddin, who were considered to be threatening Muhammadiyah residents. His comments then went viral on social media and caused a polemic. "As academics and researchers, they should be wiser in using and expressing opinions on social media," said Nurhuda to reporters, Wednesday, April 26. The PKB legislator for the Central Java electoral district assessed that, compared to making controversial comments, BRIN intellectuals should make a study or scientific research to be published to the public. "So that it can be considered and educate the public," said Nurhuda.

Even so, he still appreciated the attitude of BRIN who wanted to apologize to Muhammadiyah residents.

"I also appreciate BRIN's steps for conveying apologies, especially to all Muhammadiyah residents for the statements and behavior of one of the BRIN personnel, even though this is the private sphere concerned," said Nurhuda. Previously, the viral status of the researchers of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) who said they wanted to kill all Muhammadiyah citizens for celebrating Eid on Friday, April 21. This is different from the government which set Eid al-Fitr 1444 Hijriyah on Saturday, 21

This polemic stems from Facebook's status written by BRIN's Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Thomas Djamaluddin. The former head of the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (Lapan) was surprised by Muhammadiyah's disobedience to the government regarding the determination of Lebaran 2023, but wanted to use the field for Eid prayers. Thomas' status was then responded to by his subordinate who is an expert in BRIN astronomy, Andi Pangerang Hasanuddin. Through his AP Hasanuddin account, he wrote anger over Muhammadiyah's attitude by mentioning Ahmad Fauzan S's account.

"You Muhammadiyah, even though you are still our brothers and sisters, we are cross-scientical discussion partners, but we have considered you a common enemy in terms of anti-TBC (takhayul, heresy, microphate) and progressive scientific ones who are still egosectoral. Why are you proud to have more mosques, orphanages, schools, and hospitals than us if it's only egocentric and egosectoral?" Andi wrote.

He also continued his threatening status of killing Muhamadiyah residents after arguing with other netizens. "Do I need to make it lawful, all of Muhammadiyah blood? Moreover, Muhammadiyah, which was infiltrated by Hizbut Tahrir through the agenda of the global Islamic calendar from the Liberation Gema, right!!! Here I kill you one by one. Please report my comments with the threat of murder articles! I'm ready to be imprisoned. I'm tired of seeing your commotion," said Andi.