Suharso Monoarfa Alludes To 'Envelope Kiai' At The KPK, PPP Apologizes

The head of the PPP and the Minister of National Development Planning, Suharso Monoarfa. (ANTARA-Yulius Satria W)

JAKARTA - The United Development Party (PPP) apologized for the viral speech by the General Chairperson of PPP, Suharso Monoarfa at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) some time ago. Suharso's statement that alludes to the 'envelope' is considered demeaning or insulting to the kiai. "We sincerely apologize to the kiai and promise that the PPP ranks will be more careful or sincere in speaking and acting in the future so that it doesn't happen again," said PPP deputy head Arsul Sani in a statement to reporters, Thursday, August 18. The deputy chairman of the MPR from PPP, stated that Suharso Monoarfa's speech at the corruption-free intelligent political education event at the KPK was not meant to belittle or insult the kiai. However, said Arsul, what was conveyed by the PPP Ketum regarding gifts or gifts to kiai opened up space to be interpreted as demeaning kiai. "This is a lesson for all of us to be more careful in communicating in public spaces. It is no longer allowed to 'slip' or 'slip of tongue' to convey something that has the potential to cause controversy, resistance or misunderstanding in public spaces," said Arsul.

In addition to apologizing, added the member of the DPR for the Central Java electoral district, PPP also asked for prayers and advice from the ulama and kiai to be more consistent in fighting for Islamic teachings and admonishing ma'ruf nahi munkar in politics in accordance with the duties of political parties.

"In the future, fighting for policies and legislation that does not violate or harm Islamic teachings will be even more difficult, therefore Islamic parties such as PPP need to continue to exist," said Arsul.

Previously, at an anti-corruption briefing activity for PPP administrators, Suharso Monoarfa had the opportunity to give a speech. At first, Suharso told his personal experience when he visited a large Islamic boarding school to ask for prayers from several kiai who, according to him, were also big kiai.

"When I was Plt. This happened for the sake of Allah and His Messenger. I came to the kiai with some friends, then I just left. Yes, I asked for prayer and then I walked. Not long after I got a message on whatsapp, Mr. Plt, just left is it not for the kiai?" said Suharso.

Suharso, who felt that he had not left anything there, suspected that his grandson's belongings were left in the pesantren. The person who sent the message to him said that it was not the item that was left behind.

However, after it was explained that there must be gifts for kiai and pesantren, Suharso continued, he had mentioned not bringing sarongs, caps, Korans or other things.

"It's as if you don't understand Pak Harso, that's what Pak Guru is. I've been provided one, every week. And every time I see you, sir, I can't, sir. And even today, if we meet there, it's not like shaking hands. the envelope sir, that's the return, something tasteless," he continued.