Gibran Sowan Kiai, Ask for Advice to Face the Challenges of Government
JAKARTA - Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka visited the Amanatul Ummah Islamic Boarding School in Bendunganjati Village, Pacet, Mojokerto, East Java, Tuesday, February 3, to visit and absorb the input of the kiai regarding the direction of national development.
The visit was said to be in line with President Prabowo Subianto's direction which emphasized the importance of continuous dialogue between the government and ulama and pesantren leaders as strategic partners of the state.
In the meeting, Gibran emphasized the role of ulama not only as moral guides, but also as advisers and evaluators for the government in facing various national challenges.
"I am asking for advice, input, evaluation, or whatever it is. For more than a year we have been together with President Prabowo, there are many challenges and dynamics that we face," said Gibran, quoted by Antara, Wednesday, February 4.
He also mentioned a number of natural disasters that occurred at the end and beginning of the year as a material for joint reflection. The Vice President asked for prayers and support from the kiai so that the recovery process in the affected areas could run faster.
"We ask for the prayers and support of the kiai so that this recovery process can take place faster and smoother," he said.
In addition, Gibran conveyed the development of the establishment of the Directorate General of Pesantren which is the aspiration of the kiai. The establishment of the directorate is expected to strengthen the governance and ecosystem of pesantren education in Indonesia.
According to him, the government is also preparing the Haji Village program to improve services for Indonesian pilgrims and umrah through the provision of supporting facilities in Saudi Arabia.
On this occasion, Gibran also asked for the support of the local government so that the President's priority programs could be optimally implemented in Mojokerto, such as Free Nutritious Meals (MBG), Free Health Check (CKG), and other social programs.
The head of the Amanatul Ummah Asep Syaifuddin Chalim Islamic Boarding School delivered a prayer for the leadership of the President and Vice President to be given health and strength in carrying out their duties.
This visit is part of the agenda for the Vice President's meeting with religious figures and pesantren to absorb aspirations and strengthen collaboration between the government and the ulama. After the activity, the Vice President returned to Jakarta.