Trans7 Apologizes Over Program Offending Islamic Schools, Clerics

6 hours ago 3

October 16, 2025 | 03:09 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian private television network Trans7 has issued an apology for its controversial coverage of East Java's Lirboyo Islamic Boarding School, aired on the Xpose Uncensored Trans7 program on Monday, October 13, 2025.

The apology was directed to the entire Lirboyo community following public criticism of the broadcast.

“We would like to express our deepest apologies to the leader of Lirboyo Islamic Boarding School, Kiai Anwar Mansyur, as well as to all caregivers, students, and alumni,” said Trans7 Production Director Andi Chairil in an official statement posted on the Trans7 Official YouTube channel on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

Andi admitted that the program team had failed to conduct a thorough content review, particularly regarding external materials used in the broadcast. “We acknowledge our mistake and take full responsibility,” he said.

He added that Trans7 had personally conveyed the apology to Kiai Anwar’s son, Adib Fuad, who would deliver it directly to the cleric.

“We will take this as a valuable lesson and ensure greater care in future programs,” Andi noted, emphasizing the importance of understanding the relationship between students and their religious teachers.

The Xpose Uncensored episode in question featured video clips and images portraying interactions between Lirboyo students and their kiai (clerics). One segment, titled “Wealthy Kiai, but the Congregation Gives Envelopes,” suggested that the giving of envelopes by students contributed to the cleric’s wealth.

The narration also compared the cleric’s alleged lifestyle to luxury items, mentioning a car and expensive sarongs, priced between Rp400,000 and Rp12 million. The report, however, did not include any source citations or verification of the claims.

Chairperson of the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI), Nany Afrida, declined to comment directly on the case but reminded that members of the public dissatisfied with television broadcasts could report to the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI).

“The public who are dissatisfied with TV broadcasts can file complaints with the KPI,” she said.

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