The Chairman of the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI), Margaret Aliyatul Maimunah, has announced ongoing coordination with law enforcement authorities regarding the concerning case involving preacher Elham Yahya Luqman. Luqman, a prominent preacher from East Java, has been widely criticized for reportedly hugging and kissing young girls during religious gatherings, an act that has sparked significant public outrage.
“We are currently making preparations for that, specifically coordinating with the police,” Margaret stated at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday, November 25. This proactive stance underscores the seriousness with which KPAI is addressing the allegations.
Beyond police collaboration, Margaret also revealed that KPAI is actively engaging with other key government bodies. This includes the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) and the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi). A primary focus of these multi-agency efforts, according to Margaret, is to meticulously assess and provide care for the potential victims, many of whom may require crucial psychological assistance.
Margaret emphasized the urgent need “to reach out to the child victims, to determine if these children require psychological support, especially given that photos [of the incidents] have already been widely circulated.” The visible evidence further amplifies the need for immediate and comprehensive support for the affected children.
The coordination with Komdigi is particularly vital for addressing the proliferation of digital content related to the case, including photographs and videos that have spread across various platforms. Furthermore, KPAI intends to collaborate with the Ministry of Religious Affairs. This partnership aims to implement educational and disciplinary measures for other preachers, ensuring adherence to ethical conduct and safeguarding children within religious communities.
Public awareness of the controversy surrounding Gus Elham, as he is commonly known, initially surged on social media. Campaigns condemning his actions gained momentum, featuring collages of photos depicting Gus Elham embracing and kissing young girls, which fueled widespread discussion and criticism.
The public reaction to these images was divided. A significant number of netizens expressed disgust, deeming such behavior inappropriate and unacceptable for a figure revered as a religious leader. Conversely, some individuals controversially defended his actions, interpreting them merely as an expression of affection.
Amidst the escalating condemnation, Elham Yahya Luqman himself issued a public apology. He acknowledged that his actions had caused considerable offense and admitted that his conduct was a regrettable lapse in judgment, expressing remorse for the controversy it generated.
Summary
The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) is actively investigating preacher Elham Yahya Luqman, who is accused of hugging and kissing young girls during religious gatherings, sparking public outrage. KPAI Chairman Margaret Aliyatul Maimunah confirmed coordination with law enforcement, including the police, the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), and the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi). These efforts aim to assess and provide psychological care for potential child victims and address the widespread circulation of related digital content.
KPAI also plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Religious Affairs to implement ethical conduct and child safeguarding measures for other preachers. The controversy, initially fueled by social media images, led to divided public opinion before Gus Elham issued a public apology, acknowledging his regrettable actions and expressing remorse for the offense caused.
