Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.  Suswono, a Jakarta vice gubernatorial candidate, has been reported to the Jakarta Metro Jaya Regional Police by the Betawi Bangkit organization over statements he made in a recent meeting with the Bang Japar organization. 

The remarks, delivered on 26 October 2024, allegedly sparked public controversy and were deemed offensive by some community members.  His remarks suggested that wealthy widows marry unemployed men to enhance the welfare rate in Jakarta.

“This deeply saddens me as a Betawi native and as a Muslim. I feel compelled to report this, as his words seemed to belittle our Prophet Muhammad,” said Betawi Bangkit leader David Darmawan. 

David insisted that his report is unrelated to the ongoing election campaign.

Suswono, who runs in the election with gubernatorial candidate Ridwan Kamil, has issued an public apology, saying, “I realize my words created unintended controversy. I apologize and retract the statement,” explaining that his comment was intended as humor but lacked sensitivity.

David further said that he would also bring his complaint to the Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu), underscoring his commitment to pursuing this issue.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)