Maruf Amin Claims 14th Descent from King Sumedang Larang in Today's Memory, June 12, 2019

Maruf Amin who served as Vice President of Indonesia in 2019-2024. (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Today's memory, eight years ago, June 12, 2019, the General Chair of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and the elected Vice President of Indonesia, Maruf Amin claims that he is the 14th descendant of the King of Sumedang Larang, Prabu Geusan Ulun. He then thanked all the people of Sumedang who supported his work.

Previously, no one doubted Maruf's existence as Chairman of the MUI. His contribution as a cleric was able to bring the MUI to defend the aspirations of the Muslim people. This narrative made him be wooed by Jokowi to become Vice President in the 2019 Presidential Election.

Maruf Amin is not a new person in the Indonesian political world. He indeed started his career as a religious teacher and lecturer. The field of education and preaching was used as a means to strengthen the understanding of Muslims regarding a broader Islam.

Maruf's actions did not make him quickly satisfied. He then wanted to devote himself to the Islamic organization. He was then active in the Ansor Youth movement - part of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU). The narrative actually became the beginning of Maruf's entry into the Indonesian political world.

Maruf is more active with NU. The special thing about Maruf is that he is lucky. He was able to become a representative of the people in 1971. He slowly became a NU leader. In short, that path led Maruf to become a great scholar. Later, Maruf also wanted to focus on strengthening the path of preaching in his life.

He tried to become part of MUI. The institution is considered to have a major role in fighting for the aspirations of Muslims. His career rose and he was elected to lead MUI in 2017.

His existence defending the aspirations of Muslims is known. He is one of the people who spoke out loudly when the case of blasphemy against Islam by the Governor of DKI Jakarta, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) emerged.

A series of activities then made Jokowi infatuated. Jokowi asked him to be a running mate who would compete in the 2019 presidential election. Maruf also revealed the reason he was chosen by Jokowi. Maruf was chosen because he came from the ranks of ulama and had the ambition to build the nation.

"After deep reflection and considering the advice of various elements of society. I have decided and have received approval from the coalition parties, namely the Indonesia Kerja coalition, that will accompany me as the 2019-2024 vice president is Prof. Dr. KH Maruf Amin," said President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) as quoted by ANTARA, August 9, 2018.

This condition made Maruf move to rally support. As a result, Jokowi and Maruf became the elected President and Vice President of Indonesia. Maruf also did not want anyone to doubt his capacity to lead the nation.

He then claimed to be the 14th descendant of King Sumedang Larang, Prabu Geusan Ulun on June 12, 2018. He considers this status to make him more determined in building the welfare of the people.

He was then pleased that the people of Sumedang had supported him in the 2019 presidential election. Moreover, Maruf was crowned to be part of the big family of Rukun Wargi Sumedang (RWS) which is the descendants of the king and the princes of Sumedang.

"I feel honored to be recognized as a Sumedang citizen. From the lineage of the Sumedang Larang king, I am the 14th descendant of Prabu Geusan Ulun, the King of Sumedang Larang. A scholar is also a umara is a heavy task. However, with this spirit of brotherhood, I am optimistic that this welfare will be held firmly in accordance with what Prabu Geusan Ulun has exemplified," said Maruf as quoted by the Tribunnews.com website, June 12, 2019.