PBNU Remembers The Struggle Of Ganjar's Father-in-law, An Important Figure Of The Republic Of Indonesia's Struggle

Photo via Central Java Provincial Government

JAKARTA - The father-in-law of the Governor of Central Java, Ganjar Pranowo, KH Hisyam Abdul Karim or better known as Mbah Hisyam, was immortalized in the 34th anniversary held by the Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) Executive Board in Yogyakarta.

Mbah Hisyam is remembered as a figure who fought for Indonesia's independence struggle by establishing the Roudlotus Sukawarah Islamic Boarding School Sholichin Sholichat in 1929. This pesantren is also used as a place for fighters to play.

Mbah Hisyam, may not be a famous scholar. But history records, this figure took part in the Nahdhliyin people during the struggle for the independence of the Indonesian nation.

Establishing the Roudlotus Sukawarah Islamic Boarding School Sholichin Sholichat in 1929, Mbah Hisyam not only became a da'wah, but made pesantren a place for the fighters to play.

KH Hisyam Abdul Karim is a charismatic scholar, who played an important role in Islamic symbols through NU. The grandfather of Siti Atikoh, wife of the Governor of Central Java, Ganjar Pranowo, founded the Sukawarah Islamic Boarding School Roudlotus Sholichin since 1929. Currently, the boarding school is being cared for by KH Achmad Musta'id Billah, the uncle of Siti Atikoh.

During his life, the cleric who is familiarly called Mbah Hisyam was solemn in NU by becoming Ra'is Aam PCNU Purbalingga for three periods. In fact, he was awarded the book Al Muwattha' by KH Hasyim Asy'ari, the founder of NU.

Ganjar was unable to attend, because at the same time he had to attend other activities in Yogyakarta. After the funeral ceremony and pilgrimage, Ulil Abshar Abdala or Gus Ulil accompanied by his wife, Lenas Tsuroya received a call from Ganjar.

Seen on the cellphone screen, Ganjar with his wife, Siti Atikoh is on her way. Both of them apologized for not being able to attend the haul.

"Yes, I called with Mas Ganjar, because Mas Ganjar is still Kiai Hisyam's family, so he should have come today but there was another event in Jogja. So earlier I had a personal call, Mas Ganjar apologized for not being able to come but he was from the pesantren family. Pak Ganjar is a PDIP figure, but the roots are in the pesantren," Ulil said.

"We see trees, if the roots are not visible, they will bear fruit," said Ulil while reviewing the book Hikam.

In addition, Ulil added that the scholars who built this nation were scholars who had root knowledge.

"The kiai who built this nation, he is the one who has root knowledge," he added.