Escalation in the Gulf, President Prabowo Wants to Hear the Views of Islamic Scholars

President Prabowo wants in a meeting scheduled at the Istana on Thursday, 5 March, to hear the views of Islamic scholars regarding the escalation in Gulf states following unilateral attacks by the United States and Zionist Israel on Iran. Ahmad Muzani, the chairman of the MPR RI, said at the Istana Kepresidenan RI, after a meeting with the President, that in principle the President is open to proposals and ideas from all groups, including Islamic scholars. ‘Tomorrow (5 March) is also part of the President’s effort to listen to views, although the President will also express his own views and perspective on the matter,’ Muzani said, explaining the purpose of the meeting between the President and the ulama scheduled for Thursday. He explained that despite the current tensions in the Middle East, President Prabowo urged all Indonesians to remain united. ‘The main thing is that we are asked to maintain unity, solidarity, togetherness, and we must maintain ukhuwah among Muslims and between nations so that peace and harmony in this world can be safeguarded. That is roughly it,’ he said. Muzani, along with several ministers, met with the President at the Istana on Wednesday afternoon. He explained that the meeting also discussed the President’s agenda during the Ramadan month, including attending the commemoration of Nuzul al-Quran on the 17th day of Ramadan, and the President’s zakat payment. He said that the zakat handover is scheduled to take place at the Istana. ‘There are a few other matters (discussed), including the plan for tomorrow with the leaders of community organisations, heads of pesantren, community leaders, and preachers,’ Muzani said. The same information about the meeting between the President and the ulama was announced by the Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar during a press conference after meeting with the President. Nasaruddin explained that the technical details of the Thursday (5 March) event had been discussed in a meeting with President Prabowo. The meeting would also be accompanied by an iftar gathering.