FAJAR.CO.ID, JAKARTA — al-Huda Islamic College Dormitory Caretaker, Usman Ali, admitted his mistake after laughing at the controversial moment when Miftah Maulana Habiburrahman insulted sunhaji, an iced tea seller, during a recital in Magelang, Central Java, in November Then. The video recording the incident shows Usman laughing out loud next to Miftah,who used a harsh term to refer to Sunhaji.
In his written statement on Monday (9/12/2024), Usman said that his laughter was purely spontaneous and had no intention of laughing at Sunhaji. ”I really have no intention of laughing at the ice seller or Mr. Sunhaji. “That happened solely because the atmosphere of GM (Miftah)’s lecture that night was light and full of jokes,” he said.
Usman revealed that he had tried to apologize directly to Sunhaji. he even went to Sunhaji’s house in Gesari Hamlet, Magelang, but did not meet him because Sunhaji was in yogyakarta to apply for an Umrah departure passport. instead, Usman apologized via video call. He also apologized to the public who felt disturbed by his behavior.
“This incident has been a valuable lesson for me to be more careful in what I say, act and carry myself wherever I am,” he said.
This incident started with a recitation held in the drh field. Soepardi, Magelang, on November 20 2024. When Sunhaji was going around selling iced tea, Miftah reprimanded him and threw insults which made Sunhaji feel offended. “I was offended. My friend was coming in, there was a sound like that,” said Sunhaji, Wednesday (4/12/2024).
This incident started with a recitation held in the drh field. Soepardi, Magelang, on November 20 2024. When Sunhaji was going around selling iced tea, Miftah reprimanded him and threw insults which made Sunhaji feel offended. “I was offended. My friend was coming in, there was a sound like that,” said Sunhaji, Wednesday (4/12/2024).
How can cultural sensitivity improve public speaking and interaction skills?
Interview: Addressing Cultural Sensitivity in Public speaking – An Insight with Expert Usman AliConsidering the recent incident involving Miftah maulana Habiburrahman and iced tea seller Sunhaji during a recital in Magelang, Central Java, we sat down with Usman Ali, the caretaker of Al-Huda Islamic College Dormitory. He shares his reflections on the incident and offers insights into the need for cultural sensitivity in public discourse.
Q: Usman,can you walk us through the events that led to this controversial incident?
Usman Ali: Certainly. During a light-hearted recitation event on November 20, 2024, Miftah Maulana Habiburrahman made some remarks towards Sunhaji, the iced tea seller, that were deemed harsh. I did not intend to mock Sunhaji; my laughter was a spontaneous reaction to the overall jovial atmosphere.However, I recognize how my laughter could have been interpreted differently and regret that it offended him.
Q: You mentioned that you tried to apologize. What steps did you take to address this situation?
Usman Ali: After realizing the implications of my actions, I felt compelled to seek forgiveness.I went to Sunhaji’s home in Gesari Hamlet but missed him as he was in Yogyakarta applying for an Umrah passport. I then apologized through a video call and sincerely offered my regrets to the public as well. This experience taught me the meaningful impact of our actions and words in public settings.
Q: What lessons do you think this incident highlights regarding public speaking and personal conduct?
Usman Ali: This incident underscores the importance of being aware of our words and behaviors in public. Remarks that may seem innocuous to one person can be hurtful to another. Public figures, especially, must approach their audiences with sensitivity and respect, as their influence can shape societal perceptions.
Q: From your experience, how can individuals educate themselves to avoid similar situations in the future?
Usman Ali: I believe that cultural awareness is key. engaging in workshops that focus on communication and cultural sensitivity can be beneficial. Additionally, practicing active listening and understanding the perspectives of others can definitely help prevent misunderstandings and promote respect in multi-cultural environments.
Q: how does this incident reflect on the broader societal expectations of figures like Miftah?
Usman Ali: Public figures carry a duty to their audience. They set the tone for discourse and should embody the values of empathy and consideration. The reactions to their statements can have a ripple effect, influencing public behaviour. It’s crucial for them to navigate discussions with care, particularly in culturally diverse contexts.
Q: what advice would you give to someone preparing to speak in public settings?
Usman Ali: I would advise anyone preparing for a public engagement to frist understand their audience. Tailor your approach to be inclusive and avoid perhaps sensitive topics unless you’re prepared to handle the consequences. Reflect on past experiences to assess how your comments may be perceived. Lastly, embrace a mindset of continuous learning—every interaction is an opportunity to grow.
Q: Looking forward, how do you believe individuals can contribute to a more respectful public discourse?
Usman Ali: It starts with each person cultivating personal awareness and accountability. by modeling respectful behavior and addressing our shortcomings, we can encourage a cultural shift toward more thoughtful communication. Engaging in open dialogues about our experiences and perceptions can further promote understanding and respect across different communities.
As we navigate the complexities of communication in a diverse society, Usman Ali’s insights remind us of the need for sensitivity and awareness in our interactions, particularly in public discourse.