Moeldoko Calls The State Needs Ulama

MOJOKERTO Presidential Chief of Staff, General TNI (Ret.) Moeldoko conveyed a national oration at the National Halaqah held by the National Presidium of the Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School Alumni Family Association (IKAPETE). On that occasion he revealed the important role of ulama in building the nation. He gave an example of the role of KH. Hasyim Asyari, founder of Nahdlatul Ulama and Pesantren Tebuireng which is not only beneficial to families and the environment, but also to the state.

"The role for his country has played a role in distributing jihad resolutions, formulating the basis of the state, straightening out the Jakarta Charter which has made Indonesia strong to date," said Moeldoko when delivering a national oration, in Trawas, Mojokerto, Saturday (27/1).

According to Moeldoko, the role model for KH. Hasyim Asy'ari must be maintained and continued by alumni of the Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School who currently have positions at various levels. Not only as a follower or follower, but also must be able to exceed his achievements. "KH. Hasyim Asy'ari prefers that there are successors who can achieve his achievements," he added.

The 2013-2015 TNI Commander reminded that currently the world is constantly changing rapidly, the risk is high, complex, and often surprising. Facing this phenomenon, Moeldoko's message, the community, especially Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School alumni, must be able to knit ukhuwah, as well as be a problem solver, think critically, creatively, and create innovations.

"Building a country is not easy, the state needs the support of the ulama. The contribution of ulama is always needed by the state. The big family of Tebuireng, NU, has proven its role for the country," he explained.

On that occasion, Moeldoko also ensured that the government always places Islamic boarding schools in a strategic position. This is evidenced by the provision of various assistance and facilitation for pesantren, such as incubation, economic independence and education programs.

For incubation assistance, he continued, the government has provided assistance to 2,079 Islamic boarding schools with a value of Rp. 175 to Rp. 400 million. Meanwhile, economic independence assistance was given to thousands of Islamic boarding schools with an aid value of Rp. 300 billion.

"The government also provides educational assistance to Islamic boarding schools and students through the Smart Indonesia Program (PIP) and the Presidential Santri Scholarship Program (PBSB)," concluded Moeldoko.