Fadli Zon Visits Buya Syafii Ma'arif's Grave, Remembers The Heritage Of The Nation's Teacher's Thoughts

Minister of Culture pilgrimage to Syafi'i Ma'arif's grave. (IST)

YOGYAKARTA - Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, made a pilgrimage to the grave of the late Buya Ahmad Syafii Ma'arif at Husnul Khotimah Cemetery, Muhammadiyah Cemetery Complex, Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta Special Region. This pilgrimage is part of a series of working visits by the Minister of Culture in the Special Region of Yogyakarta as well as a form of respect for Buya Syafii's services and intellectual heritage in building the nation's civilization.

Menbud Fadli was accompanied by Deputy Chairperson of the Husnul Khotimah Cemetery service during a pilgrimage. After sending a prayer, Menbud Fadli expressed his respect and admiration for Buya Syafii, who according to him is a national figure, a historian, as well as a statesman whose national views remain relevant today.

"Alhamdulillah, this afternoon I had the opportunity to make a pilgrimage to the grave of a national figure, a Muhammadiyah figure who I know well, Buya Syafii Ma'arif, who is also a historian. He is a figure who has statesman views, especially related to national unity and integrity," said Menbud Fadli.

Menbud Fadli added that he had known Buya Syafii personally since more than two decades ago. Several times the two of them traveled together to various countries. According to Menbud Fadli, Buya Syafii's thoughts and writings are an important inspiration in photographing Indonesia's history in a clear and objective manner.

His views, especially those related to national issues, are very relevant and he is also a qualified historian, who can clearly photograph Indonesia's history, and also many of his writings are very inspiring, "recalled Menbud Fadli.

Buya Ahmad Syafii Ma'arif (1935'2022) is known as one of Indonesia's great thinkers who prioritizes the values of tolerance, pluralism, and national unity. He served as General Chair of PP Muhammadiyah for the 1998 period "2005" and was widely known for his courage to voice social justice and moderate attitudes in religion. During his lifetime, Buya actively wrote, discussed, and was involved in various intellectual forums, both domestically and internationally.

Apart from being Buya Syafii's resting place, this burial complex is also the location for the burial of a number of Muhammadiyah figures. In the area, a prayer room was also built which was proposed to Buya Syafii Ma'arif. Menbud Fadli hopes that this area can become one of the historical pilgrimage destinations that strengthens public appreciation for the legacy of the thoughts and struggles of the nation's leaders. Also attended to accompany Menbud Fadli during his working visit to Yogyakarta, namely the Special Staff of the Minister for Protocol and Household Affairs, Rachmanda Primayuda.

The pilgrimage of the Minister of Culture to Buya Ahmad Syafii Ma'arif's grave is an important sign of the state's commitment to respecting the services and heritage of the thoughts of national figures. Through this pilgrimage, the Ministry of Culture hopes that the nation's generation can continue to take inspiration from the values of unity, tolerance, and wisdom that are the hallmarks of Buya Syafii's struggle so that the spirit of culture and nationality is maintained to strengthen Indonesian civilization.