Preachers in Indonesia and Social Media
The recent Indonesian election made Ustaz Haikal Hassan share his political preferences with followers on social media. He told CNA that he initially did not want to use social media to lecture about politics.
“Initially, my social media content was motivational, then preaching,” he said, adding that there was no “other choice” but to be politically involved, especially in the presidential and legislative elections last February.
Ustaz Haikal used this opportunity to show his support for Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, who finally won the presidential election after contesting three elections.
Ustaz Haikal became very vocal about politics on social media during the 2017 Jakarta gubernatorial election. At that time, society was divided into two camps: Supporters of former Minister of Education Anies Baswedan, a Muslim of Arab descent, and incumbent Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, a Christian of Chinese descent.
“At that time I was called upon and defended Mr. Anies Baswedan to become Governor, rather than Mr. Basuki.
“In 2019, I will continue that message, that Pak Prabowo is the most appropriate to lead (Indonesia),” said Ustaz Haikal. At that time, Prabowo lost to incumbent President Joko Widodo.
According to observers, the 2019 presidential and legislative elections as well as the 2017 gubernatorial election were full of identity politics.
Now, Prabowo has won the presidential election and will become the next president of Indonesia. Ustaz Haikal said he would still criticize Prabowo if he did something that was contrary to Islamic teachings.
“If I love him, I will criticize. Amar maruf nahi munkar, what is good we defend, what is bad we criticize,” he said.
