The Caretaker Of The Kalijaran Islamic Boarding School Expressed That The Large Family Of Ganjar's Wife Managed A Number Of Islamic Boarding Schools

Ganjar Pranowo and his wife (Photo via Central Java Provincial Government)

JAKARTA - The big family of the wife of the Governor of Central Java Ganjar Pranowo, Siti Atikoh, who is a descendant of Kiai Haji Hisyam Abdul Karim or Mbah Hisyam Kalijaran, takes care of a number of Islamic boarding schools in the local province.

"So Mr. Ganjar's family, from his wife, Siti Atikoh, is a pesantren family. Many of Mbah Hisyam Kalijaran's children manage Islamic boarding schools," said KH Ahmad Mustaid, caretaker of the Roudlotus Islamic Boarding School Sholichin Sholichat (Ponpes Kalijaran) as well as Uncle Siti Atikoh in Purbalingga Regency, Sunday, April 23.

He explained that Mbah Hisyam had two wives and 10 children.

From the first wife, Rumiyah was born with five children, one of whom was Siti Atikoh's father and the family of this first wife, there were two descendants of Mbah Hisyam who managed the boarding school.

"I manage this Kalijaran Islamic Boarding School, and my deceased brother, KH Muzammil Syaibani Hisyaam Abdul Karim manages Ponpes in Sokaraja," he said.

In addition, Siti Atikoh's grandmother, Rumiyah, also came from Islamic boarding schools and is currently still actively managing the Nurul Quran Bukateja Islamic Boarding School.

"Meanwhile, from the second wife, Mbah Hisyam's descendants currently manage the Karangasem Salafiyah Islamic Boarding School," he said.

He also mentioned that Mbah Hisyam Kalijaran's grandson was married to the caretaker of Islamic boarding schools in several areas in Central Java and the person concerned is currently also the caretaker of the boarding school.

"One of them is in Pekalongan. I forgot the name of the hut. Now Mbah Hisyam's grandson is the one who manages it," he said.

In addition to Islamic boarding schools, many of Ganjar's families from wives are also involved in Islamic organizations, including the administrators of Muslimat Nahdlatul Ulama, Purbalingga Regency.

"Brother Siti Atikoh, Hajah Nurul Hidayah is also now the administrator of the Central Java PPP DPW," he said.

Barokatun Minallah, a relative of Ganjar Pranowo's wife who is also the administrator of the Karangasem Salafiyah Islamic Boarding School, confirmed that Siti Atikoh's husband was part of the pesantren family.

"There are 10, Bani Hisyam Abdul Karim's family, and thank God they came from the Islamic boarding school family. Many of our families are raising Islamic boarding schools in the regions," he said.

He also admitted that he felt sad when someone judged Ganjar Pranowo to be an abangan, a PKI, and not a religion, even though he was actually a devout Muslim.

"It's not that I mean to boast, but the Bani Hisyam family certainly wants to accept Mas Ganjar to be part of the family, yes, judging from his religion as well. And he is a religious figure. He is a tawadlu (tagged) very well and respects all families," he said.