foto: Instagram/@ridwankamil
Brilio.net - The internet has recently been abuzz with Ridwan Kamil's old tweets that have gone viral again. One of the tweets that has become the focus of attention is Kang Emil's, Ridwan Kamil's nickname, scathing comments about the character of Jakarta residents . This has sparked mixed reactions from netizens, considering that Ridwan Kamil is currently being touted as one of the candidates for Governor of DKI Jakarta in the upcoming Pilkada.
Realizing the potential negative impact of his old tweets, Ridwan Kamil spoke up. Through his personal X account on Sunday (8/25), the former Governor of West Java provided clarification. In his statement, Kang Emil admitted that in the past he often wrote tweets that seemed mean and unwise when criticizing.
Ridwan Kamil began his clarification by telling about his habit of playing Twitter (now X) before becoming a public official. He described himself as an active user and often expressed himself freely on the platform, including writing harsh criticism and satire. Kang Emil also admitted that he used to be a netizen who was often angry and sarcastic.
photo: X/@RomitsuT
"In the past 12-15 years before becoming a public official, I was indeed active on Twitter (now X). As is the nature of the platform, I expressed myself freely. Sometimes full of harsh criticism, sometimes sarcastic, often sarcastic. I often said everywhere, I used to be an angry netizeneven a bitch," wrote Kang Emil on his personal X account @ridwankamil, quoted by brilio.net , Monday (26/8).
Furthermore, Ridwan Kamil explained that his experience as a public official had changed his perspective. He stated that after becoming mayor and governor, Kang Emil actually received criticism and sarcasm on social media. This experience made him aware and smile remembering his old self.
"But then destiny brought me to a more complex life process. In turn, God destined me to become a public official, from mayor to governor. I was in turn criticized, mocked, and teased on social media. I often see my old self, the angry netizen. It makes me smile and realize," he added further.
In his clarification, Ridwan Kamil also reflected on the journey of human life in general. He described the phases that a person usually goes through, starting from being a protester to finally becoming wiser. Kang Emil emphasized that everyone needs to go through a process to become better.
OLD TWITTS
Ridwan Kamil (@ridwankamil) August 25, 2024
In the past 12-15 years ago before becoming a public official, I was indeed active on Twitter (now X). As is the nature of the platform, I expressed myself freely. Sometimes full of harsh criticism, sometimes sarcastic, often sarcastic. I often said on
"It is said that everyone will go through phases of being a protester, a rebellious young person full of criticism and cynicism. But everyone is also in a process, they must become wiser and more aware," he said.
Ridwan Kamil then analogized this maturation process with a person's life journey from being a child to being an adult. He explained how a person's perspective can change over time, from initially being critical and cynical to becoming more understanding of other people's positions.
"Like children who always protest to their parents, rebellious teenagers, critical and cynical young people, in time they will become parents who see things from a different perspective. Who will say to themselves, 'Oh, that's how I used to be', and 'So this is what it feels like to be in this position.'," he explained.
Next, Ridwan Kamil acknowledged his past mistakes and apologized to those who might have been offended by his tweets. He also emphasized that he has learned from the experience and hopes to be better in the future.
"However, for my old tweets, I admit that I was not wise enough and perhaps not literate enougheven not polite enough. I apologize if there are parties who were hurt, criticized, alluded to, or insulted by the way I expressed myself. Hopefully I can be better in the future. In 2017-2018, I apologized for these things. I learned a lot," he said.
In closing his clarification, Ridwan Kamil emphasized that he did not mean to defend himself or justify his past actions. He admitted that his past self was indeed unwise and invited all parties to move on and focus on the future.
photo: Instagram/@ridwankamil
"I'm not defending myself or trying to justify myself. That was the old me, the unwise me. Everyone has protested, but the process is what will make it successful. They say the past will not change the future, but the opposite. Forgive the old me. Let's move on. Ridwan Kamil," concluded the former Governor of West Java.
This clarification is expected to calm the controversy surrounding Ridwan Kamil's old tweet. However, some netizens have criticized him again. The tweet uploaded on Sunday (8/25) received 9 thousand retweets and 16 thousand likes.
"You are very wise, sir, you have a very broad heart, God willing, the people of Jakarta will forgive you. Keep going, Bang Emil, for JKT 1! Stay in Jakarta, Bang Emil!" said the account @txtdrbekasi.
"I can't be bothered reading it, just watch VN, bro," said @heykarez.
"Isn't it true that nowadays, if someone is criticized, they tend to pin them, right? Then, the account that criticized them gets bullied by your fans. Usually, that's the pattern," said @agil_alvian.
"In the past it was julid, now it's not julid. But if someone is julid, the comment is pinned," said @mhdarieff_.
"Tweeting like this because you want to run for regional elections, right sir?" asked @fxmario.
(brl/jad)
