The Consultative Council of Ulama (MPU) of Central Aceh Regency is currently hit by issues concerning the violation of its independence. A number of its members are suspected of actively affiliating with political parties, and one of them is strongly suspected of serving as a party official at the sub-district level.
This allegation surfaced following the circulation of a document in the form of a Decree (SK) on the management of a national political party in the Central Aceh region, which is reinforced by several pieces of visual evidence. The presence of practical political party elements within this council of scholars has drawn sharp criticism because it is deemed to damage the dignity of the MPU, which should remain neutral and focus on community guidance and Sharia supervision.
A reliable source who wished to remain anonymous expressed concern over this situation. They urged a thorough internal evaluation and emphasized that MPU members who choose to be active in practical politics should ethically resign from their positions in the religious institution first.
Responding to this issue, the Chairman of the Central Aceh MPU, Drs. Amry Jalaluddin, asserted his commitment to maintaining the institution's neutrality. He stated that he would not tolerate members who concurrently serve as political party officials and has taken steps to clarify the situation with one member who was caught attending a specific party event.
Regarding information about a member serving as a party management chairman at the sub-district level, Amry admitted that he has not received an official report but promised to investigate the truth of the news immediately. If proven to have violated the rules, the Central Aceh MPU is ready to take firm action to safeguard the dignity and independence of the institution.
