​Grinch-y FPI says President Jokowi is an infidel if he wishes people Merry Christmas

Misbachul Anam, head of the Leaders Council at the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), advised President Joko Widodo not to wish people a merry Christmas. Misbachul says the president would become a non-Muslim infidel should he take part in celebrating a Christian holiday.

“It is haram for Muslims to wish people merry Christmas. President Jokowi is no exception,” Misbachul said yesterday, as quoted by Tempo

According to Misbachul and the FPI’s twisted beliefs, Muslims can’t acknowledge the existence of other beliefs and religions.

“If a Muslim wishes people merry Christmas, that means they’re admitting the birth of Jesus… In Islam, God wasn’t born nor does He give birth,” he said.

Unlike the FPI, Nadthlatul Ulama (NU) one of the biggest and oldest Islamic organizations in Indonesia, has a more tolerant view on the matter.

“Respect between religions has nothing to do with one’s own beliefs,” said Slamet Effendy Yusuf, one of NU’s leaders.

We know they’re probably not gonna like this, but a big Merry Christmas to the wonderful folks at the FPI!




BECOME A COCO+ MEMBER

Support local news and join a community of like-minded
“Coconauts” across Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.

Join Now
Coconuts TV
Our latest and greatest original videos
YouTube video
Subscribe on