Mahfud Considers Islamic Boarding Schools A Democratic Education Base

JAKARTA - Candidate for vice president (cawapres) number 3 Mahfud Md called pesantren one of the bases of democratic education in Indonesia. Therefore, he likes to visit Islamic boarding schools where thousands of students and students.

"The basics of democratic education started from Islamic boarding schools. It has always been built from Islamic boarding schools, therefore I came to visit this pesantren with thousands of students, with thousands of students here in Islamic boarding schools in Sirnamiskin, yes," said Mahfud when visiting the Sirnamiskin Islamic Boarding School, Bandung, Saturday.

Arriving at the Sirnamiskin Islamic Boarding School. Mahfud was immediately greeted by the caretaker of the KH Islamic Boarding School. Achmad Syaiful Rizal and Rais Syuriah PCNU in Bandung City KH. Ateng Muhaimin.

Mahfud was wrapped in a white cloth with a red batik pattern by Achmad Syaiful. Mahfud's arrival was also greeted with salawat chanting from the students.

The Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs said he had a special reason to visit the Sirnamiskin Islamic Boarding School. According to him, this boarding school is one of the historical witnesses to the travel history of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) kiai.

These figures include KH. Wahid Hasyim, KH. Ahmad Dimyati, to KH. Abdurahman Wahid alias Gus Dur.

This pesantren is also often the host for important NU guests. Not only that, this pesantren also has a close relationship with Gus Dur.

"So we are kind of on a tilas pesantren close to Gus Dur. Especially today (Saturday) haul Gus Dur, the anniversary of his death. If Maulid is the birthday anniversary. So right today I am here," said Mahfud.

The former chairman of the Constitutional Court (MK) admitted that he always remembers messages and prayer diplomas from his ideological teacher. Gus Dur once advised that if Mahfud wanted to become an official, so that he would come in and come out comfortably and not burden people, he was asked to read a special prayer.

Gus Dur's special prayer came from QS Al Isra: 80 which if translated means: "O Allah, bring me into a new workplace in the right way. And later please take me out to complete the task in the right way too. And give me power that can help many people."

He has high hopes for every student in each Ponpes. According to him, students have syariahs that are full of peace to build the country.

"I hope that Islamic boarding schools will give birth to democratic and sharia-minded national cadres who are full of peace, harmony and brotherhood," said Mahfud.