Abah Setu apologizes for alleged insults toward Prophet Muhammad

Asep Setiawan, also known as Abah Setu, leader of the Nurul Hikam Dzikir Council, has issued a public apology following viral videos in which he allegedly made insulting remarks regarding the Prophet Muhammad SAW. The apology was delivered during a mediation session at the Metro Bekasi Police Headquarters on Thursday, September 10, involving religious leaders, community figures, and representatives from the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Bekasi Regency.

The controversial footage showed Setiawan making statements that many Muslims found derogatory, which led to public anger and residents gathering at his residence in Cikarang Barat to demand clarification. Police were deployed to the area to prevent clashes between citizens.

Despite the apology, members of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) have called for the legal process to continue. Abdullah, a member of Commission III, stated that law enforcement must remain consistent to ensure legal certainty and to prevent hate speech related to religion, race, and ethnicity on social media, emphasizing that freedom of expression must be exercised with responsibility.