Teacher Fired After Questioning Governor Ridwan Kamil on Instagram

Ridwan Kamil is known for his strong social media presence with 20 million followers on Instagram. and 5.4 millions on Twitter. He used to be active on Twitter but now more active on Instagram. 

Sabil said his case was discussed by his higher-ups, before he was suddenly fired. 

"The school immediately had a meeting and the school was asked by the Agency Branch Office to revoke my Basic Education Data from the school where I taught," said Sabil.

The Agency Branch Office is part of the provincial education agency that handles the high schools and vocational schools. Meanwhile, Basic Education Data is a part of requirements to teach in Indonesia.

Sabil said he only commented as a citizen. He protested the political nuance of Ridwan Kamil's attire because he was around school students.

"RK was wearing a yellow suit in school. He forgot that he was engaging with the school's environment," said Sabil.

The headmaster of Manbaul Ulum Vocational School, Abdul Hakim, refused to be interviewed. But he admitted that he revoked Sabil's education data.

"As ordered by the higher-up," said Abdul Hakim.

The head of the Service Branch Office in Cirebon could not be reached for comment. His staff said he is currently out of the city.

Ridwan Kamil Requests the Teacher to Be Reinstated

In the latest update, Governor Ridwan Kamil said he was surprised when he heard that Sabil was fired, although the governor said Sabil was using rude language in Sundanese when asking the question. 

On his Instagram, the governor said leaders must always accept criticism.

"A leader must be open for criticism although sometimes addressed rudely. Thousands criticism have come, and always I respond in relaxed and nonchalant manner. Sometimes responded with scientific explanation, sometimes replied with just joking," said Ridwan Kamil. 

The governor said that he only expected the teacher to be reprimanded, not fired. After knowing the news that Sabil was fired, Ridwan Kamil called the related institution which fired Sabil, so the teacher could be reinstated.

"I have contacted the school/foundation, so it is enough for the person to be just advised and reminded, no need to be sacked," said Kamil.

Ridwan Kamil also asks parents, teachers, and leaders to patiently teach people to be courteous on social media.

Update: Adding Governor Ridwan Kamil's new statement to reinstate the teacher.

Andry Haryanto and Muhammad Ali contributed to this article.