Yesterday we told you about a 42-year-old carpenter from Banyuwangi in East Java whose legal name is Tuhan (which means “God” in Indonesian). After a photo of Tuhan’s ID card went viral on social media, it came to the attention of the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI), whose leader told Tuhan he needed to change his name because it was too controversial and could encourage idolatry. Some even argued that Tuhan should be denied social services unless he changed his name.
But Tuhan, in his wisdom, has refused such suggestions.
Another religious group is now speaking up for Tuhan. The chairman of the Anti-Discrimination Islam Network (JIAD) in East Java, Aan Anshori, said MUI was wrong to persecute the simple carpenter and father of two.
According to Aan, everyone has the freedom to choose their name as long as it does not go against the law.
“There is no law that is violated by somebody having the name Tuhan,” Aan wrote in a press release received by Tempo on Tuesday.
Aan said that MUI was being insensitive because changing one’s name is not a trivial matter since a name change would require serious changes to all of Tuhan’s legal documents.
The JIAD chairman suggested MUI not worry about the small stuff and instead focus on more important issues, like the use of religion to justify discrimination and violence against religious minorities.
Aan added that, if the MUI still objected to Tuhan’s name, then they should take legal action showing exactly what damages the group experienced due to the Banyuwangi man’s moniker. He also said that the public was smart enough to distinguish between Tuhan and “Tuhan.”
“The MUI need not panic, let alone be angry with ‘Tuhan’,” Aan said.
Those are wise words. If you are angry with Tuhan, than Tuhan may become angry with you. And from what we’ve heard, Tuhan’s wrath is pretty scary.
