Panji Gumilang Reveals The Reason Behind The Greetings "Assalamualaikum Merdeka"

The leader of the Al Zaytun Islamic Boarding School Panji Gumilang demonstrated the greeting "Assalamualaikum Merdekasi" when he was met at the shipyard owned by Al Zaytun in Indramayu, West Java, Friday (28/7/2023). (ANTARA/Sean Filo Muhamad)

INDRAMAYU - Head of Al Zaytun Islamic Boarding School Panji Gumilang revealed the reasons behind the greeting "Assalamualaikum Merdekasi" which is often echoed by Al Zaytun's academy community.

"Indeed, why if Assalamualaikum continues to be independent? The national anthem is independent," said Panji Gumilang as quoted by ANTARA, Friday, July 28.

Panji Gumilang said "Assalamualaikummerdeka" was popularized by Bung Karno, who according to him, in the past after Indonesia's independence also popularized national greetings.

He said the greeting was taught to all students at the Al Zaytun Islamic Boarding School during the students' education there.

"Assalamualaikum is independent, if you don't have time, just be independent, so that it is instilled in our spirit," said Panji Gumilang.

According to him, independence not only liberates Indonesia from the invaders, but also frees the spirit, mind, and knowledge of humans.

In addition, Panji said that his party used all Al Zaytun Islamic Boarding School students to sing the song Indonesia Raya with three stanza.

According to him, Indonesia Raya with three stanza is a prayer for the country and all Indonesian people.

"If one is incomplete. Like a pillar of faith, if there is less than one, is it complete or not?" said Panji Gumilang.