Miftah Maulana resigns from Presidential Special Envoy post

Yogyakarta (ANTARA) - Presidential Special Envoy for Interfaith Harmony and Religious Facilities Development Miftah Maulana Habiburrahman decided to step down from his post following his inappropriate remarks during his recent sermon.

"With sincerity, I convey the decision that I have deeply contemplated. I have decided to resign from my duties as the President's Special Envoy," he stated during a press conference in Yogyakarta on Friday.

He explained that the decision was not due to pressure or request from anyone but based on a sense of love, respect, and responsibility to President Prabowo Subianto and the entire community.

"This decision is not an end or a step back, but rather, an initial step to continue contributing to the nation and state more broadly and religiously," Miftah remarked.

Miftah, also a preacher, stated that devotion to the nation and state is not limited to one position but can be seen in various efforts to bring benefits.

On that occasion, he thanked Prabowo for the mandate and trust placed in him.

He also apologized to the president for being unable to live up to expectations.

"I learned to be a knight from the president," he stated.

He also apologized to the people and thanked them for their support, prayers, and trust.

"As an ordinary human being, I am not free from wrongdoings, mistakes, or errors that I have made, whether intentional or not. I apologize from the bottom of my heart because I believe that the truth only belongs to Allah," Miftah remarked.

Earlier, one of his sermon videos went viral after showing him mocking an iced tea seller.

Although he had apologized to the person concerned, he was at the receiving end of public criticism voiced through social media platforms X and Instagram for his remarks, arguing that they were unbecoming of a religious figure who should promote peace and understanding rather than passing demeaning remarks.