Indonesia Calls for Diplomatic Response Over Trump’s Joke

US Donald Trump faced calls from Indonesia’s DPR to address his joke about the name “Mohammad” during a midterm campaign speech on October 16, 2026. The Indonesian House of Representatives’ Commission I, led by Wakil Ketua Dave Laksono and Sukamta, urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu RI) to take diplomatic action, citing the religious significance of the name to Muslims. “Every world leader must consider the impact of their statements, especially regarding symbols or names with deep religious meaning,” Laksono said, emphasizing the need for measured diplomacy. “The goal is not to escalate conflict but to foster awareness that political differences should not justify disrespect for religious beliefs.”

Trump’s comment, reported by Reuters, occurred during a rally in Dalton, Georgia, where he mocked Iran’s presidency. “If you’re unsure about the name of someone from the Middle East, just say ‘Mohammad,'” Trump said, claiming a 65% accuracy rate. The remark drew criticism from Indonesian lawmakers who emphasized the name’s deep religious meaning in Islam. “Using a sacred name as a political joke is deeply disrespectful,” Sukamta stated, adding that leaders should set an example of tolerance. “Differences in political views should not justify undermining religious identity.”

Indonesian Lawmakers Demand Diplomatic Response

Komisi I DPR called on Kemlu RI to “carefully assess the statement and determine appropriate diplomatic measures,” according to a statement from Dave Laksono. He highlighted that “Mohammad” holds profound religious significance for Muslims, warning that its use as a punchline could “cause misunderstandings or hurt feelings.” Laksono advised against hasty actions that might strain bilateral relations, stressing Indonesia’s commitment to religious tolerance. Sukamta echoed this, condemning Trump’s remarks as “inappropriate for a head of state” and urging respect for “the identity and beliefs of others.”

Context of Trump’s Joke and Its Reception

The comment emerged during a campaign event where Trump criticized Iran’s leadership, stating, “Iran is the only country where no one wants to be president.” He then pretended to ask individuals named Mohammad if they wished to lead the nation, a gesture that drew little audience reaction. Activists and Muslim advocacy groups have repeatedly criticized Trump’s rhetoric targeting Muslims and immigrants, with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) linking rising Islamophobia in the US to his policies. Sasaran komentarnya antara lain warga Amerika keturunan Somalia dan Muslim Amerika, termasuk Abdul El-Sayed, kandidat Partai Demokrat untuk Senat AS, serta Ilhan Omar, anggota DPR AS dari Partai Demokrat yang mewakili Minnesota dan datang ke AS sebagai pengungsi dari Somalia, reported Source 3. Lelucon itu muncul dalam rapat kampanye di Bandara Regional Dalton, Georgia. Menurut Reuters, Trump mengatakan, ‘Kalian tahu, jika ragu tentang nama seseorang dari Timur Tengah, panggil saja ‘Mohammad.’ Ia kemudian melanjutkan, ‘Peluangnya benar sekitar 65%.’ Source 5 added. Simak juga Video: Kala Trump Sindir ‘Gay for Palestine’ di Rapat Umum Ohio, Source 1 noted, though the article does not mention this specific video.

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Trump’s remarks also referenced his broader campaign against Muslim communities, including Somali-American politicians. Ia secara khusus menyasar warga Amerika keturunan Somalia dan Muslim Amerika, termasuk Abdul El-Sayed, kandidat Partai Demokrat untuk Senat AS, serta Ilhan Omar, anggota DPR AS dari Partai Demokrat yang mewakili Minnesota dan datang ke AS sebagai pengungsi dari Somalia, Source 3 stated. Council on American-Islamic Relations atau CAIR merilis laporan tahunan pada awal tahun ini yang mengaitkan meningkatnya Islamofobia di Amerika Serikat dengan sejumlah perkembangan politik, Source 5 noted.

Calls for Respect and Tolerance

Indonesian lawmakers emphasized that “freedom of expression must be balanced with responsibility,” particularly for leaders whose words attract global attention.

New Details from Source Articles

Wakil Ketua Komisi I DPR Dave Laksono menyatakan bahwa setiap pemimpin dunia perlu mempertimbangkan dampak pernyataannya, terutama terkait simbol, nama, atau hal-hal yang memiliki makna penting bagi suatu agama. This refers to Trump’s claim that using “Mohammad” as a default name for Middle Easterners was always correct. Kalian tahu, jika ragu tentang nama seseorang dari Timur Tengah, panggil saja ‘Mohammad,'” kata Donald Trump dalam pidatonya, sebagaimana dilansir Reuters. Source 4 reported. Peluangnya benar sekitar 65%. ‘Halo, Mohammad.’ Saya sudah melakukannya bertahun-tahun. Tidak pernah salah, Trump added, as noted in Source 4. Trump menyampaikan bahwa nama Mohammad dapat digunakan ketika seseorang tidak yakin dengan nama orang yang berasal dari Timur Tengah, Source 4 stated.

Source 4 also detailed the timeline: Permintaan tersebut disampaikan Wakil Ketua Komisi I DPR Dave Laksono pada Sabtu, 17 Oktober 2026, menyusul ucapan Trump dalam kampanye pemilu sela di Amerika Serikat. This date aligns with the event described in Source 2. Pernyataan tersebut dilaporkan Reuters pada Sabtu, 17 Oktober 2026, Source 4 noted, confirming the timing of Trump’s remarks.

Additionally, Komisi I DPR meminta Kementerian Luar Negeri RI menanggapi pernyataan Presiden Amerika Serikat Donald Trump yang menjadikan nama Mohammad sebagai bahan candaan politik, Source 4 stated, highlighting the formal request from Indonesian lawmakers. Dave menjelaskan nama Mohammad memiliki makna religius yang mendalam bagi umat Islam, Source 1 added, reinforcing the cultural context of the name.

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