Eid Greetings to Tapal Kuda Kiais, Gus Ipul Delivers President's Regards
Social Minister and PBNU General Secretary Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) continued his series of Eid greetings to several masyayikh and kiais from Tapal Kuda, influential ulama who lead pesantrens in eastern East Java. He carried out these visits on the second and third days of Idulfitri.
During the visits, Gus Ipul conveyed greetings from President Prabowo Subianto while requesting prayers so that the People’s School programme and various other pro-people initiatives truly reach those in need.
“Alhamdulillah, on the third day of Idulfitri, we were still given the opportunity to continue our greetings, pay respects, and convey regards from President Prabowo Subianto. We seek prayers from the masyayikh so that the People’s School programme and other pro-people initiatives genuinely reach those who truly need them,” said Gus Ipul in his statement on Tuesday (24/3/2026).
On the third day of Idulfitri, the greetings began with a visit to the residence of KH Mutawakkil Alallah and Nyai Hj. Diana Susilowati at Pesantren Zainul Hasan Genggong. After that, Gus Ipul continued his visit to the residence of KH Moh. Zuhri Zaini at Pesantren Nurul Jadid, Paiton, Probolinggo.
The journey then proceeded to Pesantren Sidogiri to pay respects to KH A. Fuad Noerhasan. From there, Gus Ipul continued his greetings to Pesantren Besuk, Pasuruan, to connect with KH Muhibbul Aman Aly and KH Imron Mutamakkin or Gus Ipong.
Previously, on the second day of Idulfitri, Gus Ipul also paid respects and exchanged Eid greetings with several kiais. The series included visiting Rai Aam PBNU KH Miftachul Akhyar in Surabaya.
He then connected with KH Anwar Iskandar in Kediri, Gus Kautsar in Gubuk Teras Ploso, and continued visits to KH Nurul Huda Djazuli at Pesantren Ploso and KH Anwar Mansyur at Pesantren Lirboyo, Kediri.
According to Gus Ipul, greetings to the kiais are not merely an Eid tradition but also part of spiritual and moral endeavours. “Greetings to the kiais are not just an Eid tradition, but also an effort to seek prayers, maintain decorum, and request blessings,” he stated.
He emphasised that the prayers and advice from the masyayikh provide important moral strength in guiding various government programmes, especially those favouring the underprivileged. Therefore, he utilised the Idulfitri momentum to strengthen ties with the ulama while bolstering the spirit of service.
For Gus Ipul, paying respects to the kiais also serves as a reminder that every policy and programme implemented must be grounded in values of benefit, care, and blessings.
With the support of prayers from the ulama, he hopes that all government efforts to improve societal welfare can proceed on target and bring widespread benefits.