Fajarasia.co – During her working visit to Cirebon, the Chairperson of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, visited the Buntet Islamic Boarding School. He also emphasized the importance of friendship between religious and nationalist groups.
Puan’s presence was received by the caretaker of the Buntet Islamic Boarding School, KH Adib Rofiuddin, Monday (4/7/2022). Puan then talked in KH Adib’s private living room.
After that, Puan was invited to greet the local senior kiai. The kiai, the first woman to serve as Chair of the Indonesian House of Representatives, were prayed for to be given prosperity and success in carrying out her mandate.
“The Buntet Islamic Boarding School has always had a significant role and influence in the process of national and state development,” said Puan.
Puan admitted that she continued her family culture to always stay in touch with religious groups. As his grandfather, the Proclaimer and first President of Indonesia, Sukarno always did.
“There was a tradition of fighting together between Bung Karno and the kiai in the past in order to seize and defend Indonesia’s independence,” he said.
Puan said that the relationship between religious and nationalist groups is important to work together in fighting for the development of the nation. Therefore, on various occasions touring the regions, he often met with scholars and visited Islamic boarding schools throughout the country.
“That struggle needs to be continued in the present in order to maintain and guard the Pancasila State and fill the nature of the development of the Indonesian nation,” said Puan.
The former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture also alluded to the Government’s commitment to the welfare of religious groups through Presidential Decree No. 22 of 2015 issued by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi). Puan said the establishment of Santri Day was a form of state recognition for the dedication and struggle of religious groups for the nation.
“As the President of the PDI-P, he has proven his acknowledgment of the role of santri in the struggle to seize and defend the independence of the Indonesian nation,” he stressed.
Puan said the DPR would continue to oversee all policies for the benefit of religious groups, including the students. Of course, in accordance with the functions of the DPR in the fields of legislation, budgeting, and supervision.
“The state’s recognition of the role of santri must be proven by the real work of the santri, especially in protecting the Pancasila State from various undermining who want to replace Pancasila with other ideologies,” added Puan.****
