Vice President Asks Ulama To Play An Active Role In Cooling The Political Atmosphere

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin when receiving MUI management in Jakarta, Friday (3/11/2023). BETWEEN/HO-BPMI Setwapres

JAKARTA - Vice President Ma'ruf Amin asked the ulama to continue to play an active role in cooling the political atmosphere ahead of the 2024 Simultaneous Election.

This was conveyed by the Vice President when accepting the board of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), as conveyed by the spokesman for the Vice President Masduki Baidlowi.

"The vice president hopes that the ulama leaders and all play an active role in cooling the political atmosphere below if things happen that are not desirable," Masduki said in a press statement after accompanying the vice president at the meeting, reported by ANTARA, Friday, November 3.

Masduki gave an example, one of the concerns of the Vice President is the various debates in society that often occur in cyberspace which are increasingly troubling.

"For example, on social media, there are many debates that seem to be no more important than a short-term practical political choice," he said.

Masduki said that ahead of the 2024 election the Vice President also hoped that the MUI leaders would still bring the institution that oversees the ulama to continue to take a neutral stance, in addition to individual personal political choices.

"The vice president hopes that MUI leaders as institutions will be neutral. If there is anything related to their political rights, please as individuals, please take a political stance," he said.

Masduki emphasized that ahead of the election, the potential for division in the community will increase.

As for the meeting, it was also discussed regarding the plan for the MUI Plenary Meeting which will soon be held with the main agenda for the ratification of Kiai Anwar Iskandar as Chairman of the MUI.

"Kiai Anwar Iskandar, who has been decided as the General Chair to replace KH Miftachul Akhyar in the plenary meeting, remains to be ratified in a plenary meeting which will be chaired by the Chairman of the Advisory Council who is also Vice President Ma'ruf Amin," said Masduki.

The MUI leadership at the meeting included Deputy General Chairperson KH Marsudi Suhud, Deputy General Chairperson of Buya Basri Bermanda, MUI Chair for Ulama Education and Cadreization KH Abdulah Jaidi, MUI Chair for Fatwa Asrorun Niam Sholeh and MUI Secretary General Amirsyah Tambunan.