Acehnese Ulama Convey Five Points to Governor Mualem During Eid al-Adha Gathering

During a silaturahmi gathering in the atmosphere of Eid al-Adha 1447 H, Acehnese ulama, members of the Aceh Council of Ulama (MPU) leadership, conveyed several important points to Governor Muzakir Manaf. The gathering, held to express affection and share the joy of the Hajj holiday, took place at the Governor’s official residence, Meuligoe, on Wednesday (3/6). The ulama and dayah academics, generally leaders of Islamic boarding schools, were led by MPU Chairman Teungku Faisal Ali, commonly known as Lem Faisal. He was accompanied by MPU Deputy Chairmen Abi Bayu, Abon Muhib, and Abiya Hatta, along with Head of the MPU Secretariat Zahrol Fajri. In a warm and familial atmosphere, Teungku Faisal Ali, also addressed as Abu Faisal, presented several communal matters to Governor Muzakir Manaf, known as Mualem. Firstly, concerning the hydrometeorological flood disaster that struck Aceh in late 2025, Abu Faisal Ali requested that Mualem urge the central government to accelerate disaster management which has yet to fully address affected communities. “On the ground, there are still many obstacles, especially regarding educational facilities, community economic centres, and other public amenities. The construction of homes for victims, so they can recover and return to normal, as well as bridges, needs to be accelerated. The national road is often congested, such as in Bireuen, disrupting the local economy and impacting staple food prices,” stated Teungku Faisal. The second point addressed the environmental damage in Aceh, which is influenced by illegal mining, such as gold mining. Concerns were raised that mercury waste is destroying river fish habitats and other animals along watercourses, posing a continuous risk of damage and leaving sources of disease for local residents who consume the fish or other animals. The gathering also discussed Aceh’s designation as host of the 33rd National Musabaqah Tilawatil Qur’an in 2028 by the Minister of Religious Affairs. Abu Faisal suggested Mualem promptly form a committee structure to spur early preparations. “We advise the Governor to immediately form a committee so it can work over the two-year preparation period, determine a strategic location for the MTQ arena, prepare the necessary infrastructure, and allocate two years of budget to accommodate all needs properly,” said the MPU Chairman. Governor Aceh, accompanied by senior provincial officials, welcomed the advice. Thirdly, Abu Faisal and the MPU leadership advised Governor Muzakir Manaf regarding Aceh’s special autonomy and privileges, particularly on halal certification for UMKM products. He requested that the authority mandated by law and enacted through Aceh Qanun, stipulating that halal certification in the Islamic law province is compulsory via the LPPOM MPU Aceh, be maintained. Besides accommodating Aceh’s authority and specificity, this also affects locally-generated revenue which would be lost if halal certification is not conducted according to the Qanun. The fourth issue concerned strengthening and implementing the governor’s instruction on congregational prayers and activities during prayer times. This still requires serious follow-up by every Aceh provincial agency and district heads/mayors throughout Aceh to ensure Islamic outreach is more vibrant in society, including guiding children and teenagers so they are not lulled into late-night coffee shop loitering. “The MPU leadership also requests the Governor urgently appoint definitive heads for the Aceh Islamic Law Office and the Dayah Education Office, as these institutions are directly linked to the implementation of Islamic law on the ground,” he explained. The fifth point conveyed the need for flexibility in budget usage by Baitul Mal Aceh, urging the Governor to refine regulations so that zakat, sadaqah, and infaq funds can be optimally used for the benefit of the community. “Especially since current regulations remain an obstacle, with many budgets left unabsorbed,” added Lem Faisal, affirmed by Teungku Muhammad Hatta.