Jakarta, MINA — KH Yahya Cholil Staquf, better known as Gus Yahya and serving as Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), has strongly denounced the Xpose Uncensored program aired by Indonesian television channel Trans7. He said the broadcast crossed the line of responsible journalism and amounted to a direct insult against pesantren (Islamic boarding schools), religious teachers (kyai), and the traditions they uphold.
Gus Yahya stressed that what aired was not constructive criticism but a clear act of disrespect. He warned that the program had deeply offended pesantren communities and the wider NU membership, stirring anger among students (santri) and alumni who regard these institutions as vital to Indonesia’s Islamic education system.
In response, Gus Yahya demanded that Trans7 and its parent company, Trans Corporation, take visible and concrete steps to repair the social damage caused by the broadcast. He also instructed NU’s Legal Aid Institute (LPBH PBNU) to pursue possible legal action against the network. At the same time, he called on kyai, santri, and NU members to remain calm, avoid provocation, and continue serving religion and nation with sincerity. He encouraged pesantren and NU institutions to use the moment for honest self-reflection and to strengthen the quality of their religious and social services.
The controversial episode of Xpose Uncensored included footage of santri and congregants greeting kyai with deep reverence. One scene suggested that a student might even crawl on the floor to show respect, while the narration implied that successful kyai should only give to students and never receive from them. Many in the pesantren community rejected this framing as a distortion of their tradition, arguing that it exaggerated and misrepresented long-established cultural practices.
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The program quickly went viral, sparking widespread backlash. Religious leaders, pesantren alumni, and members of Nahdlatul Ulama condemned the broadcast for presenting an inaccurate and damaging portrayal of pesantren life. Some groups even called for a boycott of Trans7, describing the program as an attack on one of Indonesia’s most enduring Islamic educational traditions.
PBNU concluded that the broadcast violated basic journalistic ethics and posed a risk to social harmony. While urging restraint among its followers, the organization made clear it was prepared to use legal avenues to address the issue if necessary.[]
Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)
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