Inayah Wahid Weighs In on Raffi Ahmad‘s Doctoral Honor, Sparks Reaction at Gus Dur Commemoration Event
Jakarta, Insertlive – Inayah Wahid, daughter of Indonesia‘s fourth president, Abdurrahman Wahid, took the mic at the 15th commemoration of Gus Dur’s departure (Haul Gus Dur Ke-15: Menajamkan Nurani, Membela yang Lemah) last Saturday (21/12). During her speech, Wahid addressed a recent public buzz: the awarding of a doctoral degree (Doctor Honoris Causa) to Raffi Ahmad by the Universal Institute of Professional Management (UIPM) in Thailand.
"This influencer status, it’s advantageous. You can become anything – an ad star, an artist, a singer, even an entrepreneur," said Inayah, quoting from the YouTube channel NU Online. "Whatever business you’re into – makeup, laundry, even [jokingly] money laundering, or perhaps I should say, laundry services."
She jestfully added, "Especially when it’s a cash-on-delivery (COD) laundry service. That’s a quick way to become an officiant, isn’t it?"
Her remarks grasped the audience’s attention, particularly when she playfully interacted with Yuni Shara, Raffi Ahmad’s ex-girlfriend, who was present at the event. "Oh, sorry, ex is here. Sorry, Mbak Yuni. You’re here, with your ex," Inayah jokingly said.
Previously, Raffi Ahmad had received an honorary doctorate from UIPM in the field of Event Management and Global Digital Development. UIPM is an online-based university with campuses in several countries, including Thailand and Indonesia. Its Indonesian branch is led by Prof. Dr. A. Junaedi Karso, Vice President of UIPM Indonesia.
The Thai campus of UIPM is located at Vibhavadi Rangsit 64 Yeak 3 Alley, Talat Bang Khen, Lak Si, Bangkok 10210, Thailand. Meanwhile, in Indonesia, it is situated at Plaza Summarecon Bekasi, Jl Bulevar Ahmad Yani Kav. K.01, Harapan Mulya, Medan Satria Kota Bekasi, Jawa Barat, Indonesia.
In her speech, Inayah reflected on the societal relevance of the doctorate awarded to an influencer, sparking discussions and laughter amongst the audience. The event aimed to commemorate Gus Dur’s contributions and ideals, and Inayah’s remarks added a lighthearted yet thought-provoking moment to the commemoration.
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