Gibran Visits Several Islamic Boarding Schools During Eid Return to Solo
Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, visited several pondok pesantren during his Eid homecoming in Solo, Central Java. One of the places he visited was Pondok Pesantren Az-Zayadiyy in Bumi Ward, Laweyan Subdistrict, on Thursday, 26 March 2026.
At the location, Gibran met with the caretaker of Pondok Pesantren Az-Zayadiyy, KH Abdul Karim, who is also known as the Quranic teacher of former President Joko Widodo. The meeting lasted around 30 minutes before Gibran left the pesantren.
When met by journalists, Gus Karim confirmed Gibran’s visit. He said he received news around 11:15 WIB that Gibran would pay a visit to his pondok pesantren.
“Alhamdulillah, even though I am ill, his presence is a source of pride for me and this pondok,” said Gus Karim.
During the meeting, Gibran asked about the development of the pondok, including its branch in Sukoharjo. Gus Karim conveyed that educational activities were running smoothly, and this year the pondok has opened a senior high school level.
“He gave extraordinary attention,” he said.
In addition, Gibran also requested prayers for Jokowi’s recovery. Gus Karim said he routinely prays for Jokowi and stated that the former president’s health condition is improving.
“I always pray for him in every prayer. Earlier, it was also conveyed that his health is already better,” said Gus Karim.
Furthermore, Gibran visited Pondok Pesantren Walisongo in Plumbungan, Karangmalang Subdistrict, Sragen Regency. Gibran was accompanied by Sragen Regent Sigit Pamungkas, who welcomed his arrival at the pondok pesantren.
The leader of Ponpes Walisongo Sragen, Muhammad Bahrul Mustawa, revealed that Gibran’s arrival was a personal visit for the purpose of silaturahmi.
“He made a personal visit, not a protocol one. He wanted to pay respects to Abah Yai (the founder of Pondok Pesantren Walisongo) while carrying out an agenda around Sragen,” said the man who is familiarly called Gus Tawa in Sragen.
He explained that during the visit, Gibran and the Ponpes leadership discussed several programmes, including those related to President Prabowo Subianto’s flagship programmes, the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG).
“The Vice President conveyed programmes such as MBG, requesting support and backing for the President’s programmes. From Abah (the Ponpes founder), he conveyed the Walisongo Ponpes programmes starting from kindergarten, primary school, junior high school, senior high school, and the Ponpes identity was shared. And prayers were offered for Pak Prabowo to be an trustworthy leader,” revealed Gus Tawa.
On the other hand, he acknowledged that Gibran suggested incorporating AI and robotics programmes into the learning at Ponpes Walisongo Sragen. “The Vice President also said not to just focus on futsal, encouraging the implementation of AI and robotics programmes at Walisongo,” said Gus Tawa.
On that occasion, Gibran also inspected the road conditions in Gendol Hamlet RT 008, Mojokerto Village, Kedawung Subdistrict.
Sragen Regent Sigit Pamungkas said that Gibran’s arrival was also to inspect projects carried out with assistance from the central government.
“Checking on the ground, regarding the assistance given to Sragen. The assistance is varied, including road paving. He checked, alhamdulillah, it has been utilised by the community as best as possible,” said Sigit.
Sigit added that Gibran also requested support for the ongoing national strategic programmes, namely MBG, Sekolah Rakyat, and Koperasi Merah Putih. According to him, Gibran asked for continuous support and hoped for criticism regarding the programme implementation.
“If there are shortcomings, the government is open to criticism,” said Sigit.