Gus Dur's Younger Brother, KH Salahuddin Wahid, Dies

Photo of memories of Irfan Wahid with his late father Gus Sholah (Twitter @ipangwahid)

JAKARTA - 'Innalilahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun', KH Salahuddin Wahid or familiarly called Gus Sholah passed away, on Sunday, February 2. The younger brother of the 4th President of the Republic of Indonesia Abdurrahman Wahid died at the age of 77.

The news of the death of Gus Sholah was conveyed by his son, Irfan Wahid, via his Twitter account @ipangwahid. The man who is familiarly called Ipang also asked all people to pray for Gus Sholah.

انا لله وانا اليه راجعون Gus Sholah just died, at 20:55. Please forgive all mistakes. Allahummaghfirlahu warhamhu wa'afihi wa'fuanhu ...

- irfan wahid (@ipangwahid) February 2, 2020

A similar sentiment was also conveyed by the Secretary General of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board, Faishal Zaini, reminiscing about Gus Sholah as a figure who was 'passionate' in fighting for human values.

"He is a figure who has persistence in fighting for human values and also serves as the glue for national values," said Helmy in a press statement received by VOI.

According to him, the caretaker of the Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School is always enthusiastic about maintaining the values of unity and integrity within the framework of a diverse country.

Condolences for the departure of Gus Sholah were also conveyed by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi). Through his official Instagram account, Jokowi remembers Gus Sholah as a great figure.

Jokowi prayed that Gus Sholah's charity, worship and dedication would receive abundant rewards from Allah SWT. He also prayed that the family he left behind would be given patience.

"On behalf of his family, government and all the people, I would like to express my deep sorrow for his return," said Jokowi.

The plan is for Gus Sholah's body to be buried at the Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School Cemetery, on Monday, February 3. According to the son of the deceased, Irfan Wahid, the bodies will be flown to Jombang, East Java on Monday at around 09.00 WIB.

Previously, Gus Sholah's health had declined since two weeks ago. At that time, Gus Sholah experienced a problem in the heart organ.

Gus Sholah died critically after heart surgery at the Harapan Kita Heart Hospital, Jakarta. Gus Dur's younger brother died at 20.55 WIB.