The circulation of two controversial books titled ‘Bukan Perawan Maria’ and ‘Memburu Muhammad‘ on social media has prompted urgent demands for government intervention from the central leadership of Muhammadiyah. Anwar Abbas, chairman of the Muhammadiyah Central Board, stated on September 26, 2026, that state authorities must act swiftly to prevent potential social unrest and protect religious harmony across the country.
Muhammadiyah Demands Urgent Government Action
According to Anwar Abbas, the appearance of texts containing alleged religious defamation threatens societal stability and deeply offends the feelings of religious believers. Muhammadiyah has pressed state officials to address the issue immediately before it escalates into broader friction. “We ask the government to act quickly so that things we do not want do not happen,” Anwar Abbas stated, emphasizing that the state bears a clear responsibility to respond whenever religious teachings face public disparagement or ridicule.
The controversy intensified after digital excerpts of ‘Bukan Perawan Maria’ and ‘Memburu Muhammad’ began circulating widely online. Social media posts accompanying the books claimed the works were authored by an individual identifying as pro-LGBT, publishing specific passages that critics argue disparage established religious doctrines. Muhammadiyah warned that allowing such material to spread unchecked risks inflaming community tensions and fracturing peaceful coexistence in a diverse society.
Polda Metro Jaya Opens Digital and Criminal Investigation
Law enforcement officials confirmed that an official inquiry is underway to examine the origins and distribution of the controversial texts. Speaking to reporters at Bundaran HI in Central Jakarta on September 24, 2026, Head of Public Relations for Polda Metro Jaya, Kombes Budi Hermanto, stated that the police department received reports regarding the online circulation of the books and will thoroughly investigate the matter.
“This will certainly be examined, both by the Cyber Directorate if it is in the digital world, and by the Ditreskrimum side,” Kombes Budi Hermanto told the media, referring to the Directorate of General Criminal Investigation. Investigators plan to scrutinize both the digital dissemination platforms and the content itself to determine whether the material violates Indonesian criminal statutes concerning religious defamation.
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