Mamah Dedeh and Buya Yahya Arrive to Meet Prabowo at the Presidential Palace

A number of Islamic religious leaders, leaders of mass organisations, and heads of pesantren attended invitations from President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Thursday, 5 March, ahead of the Iftar time.

CNN Indonesia observed that the figures began arriving ahead of the Iftar time. The first to arrive at the venue was Anwar Iskandar, the Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI). About five minutes later Haedar Nashir arrived, wearing a long-sleeved batik shirt. Haedar arrived with the Coordinating Minister for Food, Zulkifli Hasan.

Next to arrive was the Rais Aam PBNU Kyai Miftahul Achyar. Shortly before 6.00 p.m. WIB, Yahya Cholil Staquf, the Chairman of PBNU, arrived.

Then the custodian of Al-Bahjah Pesantren in Cirebon, Yahya Zainul Ma’arif, alias Buya Yahya, and Dedeh Rosidah, alias Mamah Dedeh, also arrived.

Today, Prabowo invited leaders of Islamic mass organisations, ulama, and pesantren leaders to coincide with an Iftar gathering at the Istana.

The planned meeting was previously confirmed by Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar. However Nasaruddin said he did not know what topics would be discussed in the meeting, saying the agenda is a routine silaturahmi gathering.

Separately, MPR Chairman Ahmad Muzani said that Prabowo may seek views on Indonesia’s membership in the Board of Peace (BoP). He said Prabowo is very open to the thoughts and views of all sides. “Tomorrow will also be part of that effort; the president wishes to listen to the views, while also set to express his own perspective on this matter (Board of Peace),” Muzani said.