Anies Remembers Yahya Muhaimin's Kindness During His Life

JAKARTA - DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan recalled the moment of kindness of the late Yahya Muhaimin, the former Minister of National Education (Mendiknas) during his lifetime.

Anies, via the aniesbaswedan Instagram account, told the story that his close relationship with Yahya was established when Anies studied his master's degree at the University of Maryland, United States.

"'Anies, instead of you being alone, paying the rent, just move here; there is a room upstairs. It's always empty,' said Pak Yahya Muhaimin," said Anies quoting Yahya's statement at the time, Thursday, February 10.

Anies got the offer repeatedly. Until finally, he was willing to move and live on the top floor of Yahya's house in the elite area of Bethesda, Maryland.

"After staying at his house, we discussed almost every night. Learned a lot from this very kind scholar," said Anies.

Anies also talked about Yahya's other kindness when he no longer lived at Yahya's residence. When Anies was already a doctoral student in Illinois, Anies received an envelope containing money from Yahya for his living expenses while studying abroad.

"Every time he sends an envelope without a word, containing a 100 dollar bill. That money for us, whose scholarships are very mediocre, feels incredibly valuable," said Anies.

Finally, Anies visited Yahya in April 2021. At Yahya's residence in Bumiayu, Brebes, Central Java, Anies said that at that time Yahya was not feeling well. Then, Anies did not meet again until Yahya died.

"Yesterday he passed away. God called back a man who was very noble in heart, very calm in his morals. A person who was deeply committed to advancing the people. He is indeed a lecturer at UGM Jogja, but also takes part in advancing education in his hometown in Bumiayu," explained Anies.

For information, Yahya Muhaimin passed away on Wednesday, February 9, at 10.15 WIB. The deceased died at the hospital in Purwokerto, Central Java.