Jokowi Holds Closed Meeting With 20 Sepuh Ulama At The PCNU Surabaya Office

President Joko Widodo (third from the left of the back row) took pictures with a number of elderly kiai on PCNU Surabaya, East Java, Sunday (22/10/2023). BETWEEN/HO-PBNU

JATIM - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) held a closed meeting with 20 senior kiai or ulama at the Surabaya Nahdlatul Ulama Branch Management Office (PCNU), East Java (East Java), Sunday 22 October.

"From the start, we stated that this meeting was closed, when asked what was on the agenda, there was none. Except for the friendship between the President and the senior Kiai," said Head of PCNU Surabaya, Habib Umarsyah, to reporters, confiscated by Antara.

Regarding matters discussed during the meeting, Umar did not want to explain. He reiterated that the meeting took place behind closed doors. But what is clear, in the meeting he emphasized, there was no political discussion.

"Nothing can be discussed, except friendship, closed talks so I can't give any statement, unless I say it's a friendship," he said.

"I declare it closed, not asked about political issues," continued Umar.

Furthermore, Umar did not deny that in the meeting the kiai gave input and messages to Jokowi while still leading Indonesia. However, he emphasized that he did not want to reveal it further.

"Yes, as a gathering forum, it contains a message to each other. It can complete the development plan that has been set, the hope is that," he said.