Meet Mahfud MD, Community Leaders Ask Madura To Become A Separate Province From East Java

Mahfud MD holds a meeting with Madurese figures (Photo: Capture YouTube screen of the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs)

JAKARTA - A number of community leaders who come from Madura, East Java and consist of clerics, leaders of Islamic boarding schools, chancellors of universities throughout Madura, to members of the DPRD met with the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud MD.

In the meeting that was held at the Office of the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, they asked Mahfud to make Madura a separate province from East Java Province. Apart from that, the community leaders who attended also asked the former Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court (MK) to guard the wishes of the community, especially since Mahfud is also from Madura.

"We ask Professor Mahfud MD to jointly supervise. We also ask the professor to be the main figure in the Madura process to become a province," said the head of the National Committee for the Preparation for the Establishment of Madura Province, Ahmad Zaini as quoted from his written statement to reporters on Wednesday, November 18th.

Furthermore, continued Ahmad, in order to pave the way for the expansion of this region, the Madura Province Formation Committee is preparing the division of Pamekasan Regency to become a City of Madya. "After that process, we formulate together the city and provincial processes," he said.

In addition, Ahmad also left a message for President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) so that the infrastructure on Madura Island would receive attention, especially in relation to the construction of the Madura crossing to be widened or to build a toll road.

"Mr Menko, please convey it to Mr President. Mr President makes toll roads throughout Indonesia. Only Madura has not been built a toll road, while the road itself is narrow, you know it yourself. In early 2020 we asked the President to ask that a shortcut or toll road be made. the kyai-kyai's signatures, but until now there has been no process, "he said.

"So please convey to Mr. Mahfud to Mr. President," he added.

Responding to the request, Mahfud said that since several years ago he had been involved in the discussion of plans for the expansion of Madura Province. It's just that, there are still administrative problems that must be resolved immediately. However, he believes, this will be resolved quickly because currently the community leaders in Madura are more compact, including the Regent and DPRD.

"I think if Madura has met the requirements, then he will stay with him to the East Java DPRD and I don't think it's too difficult as long as the minimum requirements are met," said Mahfud MD.