August 9, 2026 | 01:39 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Since May 2026, various posts have circulated on Instagram [archived], Facebook, X, and TikTok claiming that Indonesia's Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar stated corruption is permissible if conducted in accordance with Sharia law.
The posts feature a photo of Nasaruddin speaking to reporters, accompanied by the text: “Ministry of Religious Affairs’ Nasaruddin Umar explains that corruption committed in accordance with Sharia law and proper procedures is safe.” Did Nasaruddin actually make such a statement?
FACT CHECK
Tempo verified this content by comparing Nasaruddin’s statements, analyzing the visuals, and confirming the Ministry of Religious Affairs' explanation. The findings show that Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin never advocated for corruption—whether in accordance with Sharia law or proper procedures.
A search of mass media reports did not uncover such a statement. In fact, Nasaruddin emphasized that corruption is haram (forbidden), as reported by investor.id on November 19, 2024, following an audience with the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).
A MetroTV broadcast on December 13, 2024, also featured a similar affirmation from Nasaruddin. He made the statement in response to the practice of using proceeds from corruption to fund the Hajj pilgrimage.
Through its official website, the Ministry of Religious Affairs emphasized that Nasaruddin never stated that corruption was permissible. Thobib Al Asyhar, Head of the Ministry's Public Relations and Public Communication Bureau, stated that the circulating content was false information that misappropriated the names of the minister and the institution.
"Neither the Minister of Religious Affairs nor the Ministry of Religious Affairs ever made the statement presented and narrated in the video," Thobib said in late July 2026.
Anomalies in the Photo
The photo showing Nasaruddin during an interview session contains anomalies. The journalists' microphones lack media logos, unlike typical coverage situations. Furthermore, the hands holding the microphones in the photo appear to have only four fingers. Such anomalies are frequently found in content created using artificial intelligence (AI).
Analysis using the AI detection tool "AI or Not" indicates a 97 percent probability that the content utilized OpenAI's 4o AI model.
Another AI detection tool, Truth Scan, also detected AI elements in the content at a rate of 93 percent.
CONCLUSION
Tempo's verification concludes that the narrative claiming Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar stated corruption is permissible—provided it complies with Sharia law and established procedures—is a false claim.
TEMPO FACT CHECK TEAM
**Do you have information or claims that you want to have fact-checked? Contact our ChatBot. You can also send criticism, objections, or feedback for this Fact-Checking article via email to [email protected].
Fact Check: Is Viral Video of Land Eviction Linked to Village Cooperative?
1 hari lalu
A viral video claims to show a land eviction in South Sulawesi for the Merah Putih Village Cooperative. Is the claim true?
Fact Check: Are Asbestos and Zinc Linked to Cancer? Prabowo's Claim Examined
2 hari lalu
Are asbestos and zinc linked to cancer? Tempo examines Prabowo's claim and what medical evidence says.
Fact Check: Did Indonesia Cut Social Assistance for the Free Meals Program?
3 hari lalu
Fact check - MBG draws a significant amount of funds from State Budget, yet the Indonesian government continues to allocate social assistance.
Fact Check: Was This Viral Video Really a Raid on an Anti-MBG Buzzer Operation?
4 hari lalu
Fact check - The video is a recording of a raid on online gambling site workers at Hayam Wuruk Plaza Tower office building in West Jakarta on May 2026
Fact Check: Is Indonesia Taxing Mobile Phone and TV Use in 2027?
5 hari lalu
Fact check - Indonesian Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia has never announced a tax on the use of cell phones and televisions starting in 2027.
Fact Check: Did Indonesia's Finance Minister Call for Death Penalty for Corruptors?
6 hari lalu
Fact check - The video that showed Indonesian Minister calls for death penalty for corruptors has been modified using artificial intelligence (AI).
Fact Check: Did Pro-TNI Accounts Coordinate Support for Military Court in Andrie Yunus Case?
7 hari lalu
Fact check - A network of coordinated accounts on X and TikTok is promoting a narrative about TNI following the acid attack on activist Andrie Yunus.
Fact Check: Was the Al Baha Fire Caused by a Yemeni Attack?
8 hari lalu
The circulating video shows a market fire in the industrial area of Ajman in the UAE, not caused by a Yemeni attack.
Fact Check: Was Indonesia's DPR Building Burned Down in July Protest?
9 hari lalu
No protests burned down the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) building between July 18 and 22, 2026.
Fact Check: Was Prabowo Deceived by a Fake CIA Agent?
10 hari lalu
Tempo's fact check team investigates the online push to counter its expose, revealing how fake CIA agent Gaurav Srivastava targeted Prabowo Subianto.
