PRIME NEWS POST
The INDONESIAN, (KENDARI )– A circulating pamphlet linked to the Lumbung Inspirasi Rakyat Community Organization (LIRA) in Kolaka Regency has sparked public controversy.
Public attention centers not only on the core demands regarding transparency of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Community Empowerment Program (PPM) funds, but also on its visual illustration: a woman wearing a hijab paired with an above-the-knee skirt.
The imagery drew criticism from Muh. Bissabir, former Chairman of the Student Executive Board of the Faculty of Law at Halu Oleo University (BEM FH UHO) for the 2023–2024 term. He said the illustration fails to show respect for religious symbols and risks provoking unrest in the predominantly Muslim community.
Bissabir emphasized that religious symbols used in public spaces must be handled with wisdom and care. The issue, he noted, goes beyond a mere design error, touching on social sensitivities and deeply held religious values.
“In a religious society, religious symbols must be used thoughtfully. Illustrations like this risk stirring public debate, as they may be perceived as disrespect toward values held sacred by Muslims,” Bissabir stated on Tuesday (28/7/2026).
He explained that the hijab carries religious meaning inseparable from the Islamic obligation of modesty. Depicting a hijab-wearing woman in attire that does not fully cover her modesty could therefore generate negative public perception.
He also stressed that any organization voicing criticism bears a moral duty to ensure its published materials do not create new controversy.
“Freedom of expression goes hand in hand with respecting religious norms, culture, and social ethics. Criticism may be raised, but it must be conveyed in a way that honors prevailing community values. The message must not be overshadowed by mistakes in visual presentation,” he said.
Bissabir urged the party responsible for releasing the pamphlet to issue an immediate public clarification to prevent speculation from escalating tensions.
Beyond seeking an explanation, he warned he will pursue legal advocacy if violations of applicable laws are identified.
From a criminal law standpoint, Bissabir reminded that alleged insult or defamation of religion is a serious matter subject to due legal process.
He said his side will ask law enforcement authorities to assess whether the visual material meets the criteria of a criminal offense under prevailing regulations.
Article 156a of the Criminal Code addresses acts that incite hostility, misuse, or desecration of religions practiced in Indonesia, carrying a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment. Application of this article requires proof of all elements of the offense, including intent, through proper legal procedure.
Bissabir confirmed he will file a report regarding alleged religious blasphemy with the Southeast Sulawesi Regional Police. The move, he said, aims to prevent such cases from being normalized and to serve as a reminder to all parties to uphold religious norms and ethics in materials distributed to the public.
(Ed)
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LIRA Kolaka Pamphlet Draws Criticism; Former UHO Law Faculty BEM Chief Highlights Hijab Illustration, Vows Legal Action
[Photo: Special]
KENDARI – A circulating pamphlet linked to the Lumbung Inspirasi Rakyat Community Organization (LIRA) in Kolaka Regency has sparked public controversy.
Public attention centers not only on the core demands regarding transparency of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Community Empowerment Program (PPM) funds, but also on its visual illustration: a woman wearing a hijab paired with an above-the-knee skirt.
The imagery drew criticism from Muh. Bissabir, former Chairman of the Student Executive Board of the Faculty of Law at Halu Oleo University (BEM FH UHO) for the 2023–2024 term. He said the illustration fails to show respect for religious symbols and risks provoking unrest in the predominantly Muslim community.
Bissabir emphasized that religious symbols used in public spaces must be handled with wisdom and care. The issue, he noted, goes beyond a mere design error, touching on social sensitivities and deeply held religious values.
“In a religious society, religious symbols must be used thoughtfully. Illustrations like this risk stirring public debate, as they may be perceived as disrespect toward values held sacred by Muslims,” Bissabir stated on Tuesday (28/7/2026).
He explained that the hijab carries religious meaning inseparable from the Islamic obligation of modesty. Depicting a hijab-wearing woman in attire that does not fully cover her modesty could therefore generate negative public perception.
He also stressed that any organization voicing criticism bears a moral duty to ensure its published materials do not create new controversy.
“Freedom of expression goes hand in hand with respecting religious norms, culture, and social ethics. Criticism may be raised, but it must be conveyed in a way that honors prevailing community values. The message must not be overshadowed by mistakes in visual presentation,” he said.
Bissabir urged the party responsible for releasing the pamphlet to issue an immediate public clarification to prevent speculation from escalating tensions.
Beyond seeking an explanation, he warned he will pursue legal advocacy if violations of applicable laws are identified.
From a criminal law standpoint, Bissabir reminded that alleged insult or defamation of religion is a serious matter subject to due legal process.
He said his side will ask law enforcement authorities to assess whether the visual material meets the criteria of a criminal offense under prevailing regulations.
Article 156a of the Criminal Code addresses acts that incite hostility, misuse, or desecration of religions practiced in Indonesia, carrying a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment. Application of this article requires proof of all elements of the offense, including intent, through proper legal procedure.
Bissabir confirmed he will file a report regarding alleged religious blasphemy with the Southeast Sulawesi Regional Police. The move, he said, aims to prevent such cases from being normalized and to serve as a reminder to all parties to uphold religious norms and ethics in materials distributed to the public.
(Ed)
—
Reported from various media sources //photo from Google documents // contribution by Prime News Post international online media // news.paper
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