Lukman Hakim Saifuddin: Gontor Actually Honours the President

Former Minister of Religious Affairs Lukman Hakim Saifuddin has corrected the narrative linking the recitation of Surah Al-Ahzab, verses 70–73, during the 100th Anniversary Thanksgiving Reception of Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor to a specific reprimand directed at President Prabowo Subianto.

A 1983 alumnus of Gontor, Lukman asserted that the verses were intended for all participants present at the centenary momentum, rather than specifically for the President. According to Lukman, the message regarding ‘amanah’ (trust/mandate) contained within the verses is general and relevant to all Gontor alumni who hold various responsibilities within society.

“Regarding the choice of Quranic verses read, was it specifically directed at Mr Prabowo? Certainly not. Because it applies to all of us who were present there,” Lukman stated in a written release on Monday (28/09/2026).

Lukman explained that the event was a grand reunion bringing together various generations of Gontor alumni, ranging from the 1950s to the 2000s. Therefore, he argued, the reading of verses concerning trust must be placed within a broader context.

“So the choice of those three verses, Al-Ahkan 70, 71, 72, 73, is to remind us all. It applies to everyone present, and those verses are general; they apply to all of us that responsibilities must be carried out as well as possible, and trust must be maintained as well as possible,” Lukman explained.

Lukman noted that another context to consider is how Gontor received the President during his visit. According to him, the sequence of the welcoming ceremony actually demonstrated respect for Prabowo as the Head of State.

“Gontor holds the President in very high regard. This sentiment was even expressed by Kiai Hasan Abdullah Sahal. All Presidents are invited honourably by Gontor,” said Lukman.

He cited the reception provided to Prabowo from the moment he entered the boarding school grounds as an example. Thousands of students participated in welcoming the President during the Gontor centenary momentum.

“Just look at the President’s reception. From a protocol perspective in Gontor, it was number one, the highest. He was welcomed from the moment he entered the Gontor area by rows of students. Not everyone is welcomed in such a manner; only the President is welcomed like that,” he added.