Mardiono Meets UAS, Receives Five Messages for a Peaceful Indonesia
The Special Envoy to the President for Food Security, Muhamad Mardiono, visited Ustaz Abdul Somad at the Azzahra Islamic Boarding School, which also serves as the residence of the prominent religious figure, widely known as UAS. The meeting took place on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, at the hall where UAS typically receives guests.
“I received news that His Eminence (UAS) was willing to spare some time to meet, so I cancelled all my agendas for today,” said Mardiono. “Thank you for welcoming us.”
Accompanied by refreshments of pempek and warm tea, Mardiono—who was born in Yogyakarta and raised in Banten—outlined several programmes and initiatives by President Prabowo Subianto aimed at managing natural resources for the prosperity of the Indonesian people. These include taking over illegal palm oil plantations and imposing fines on violating companies.
“The President wishes to return to the 1945 Constitution. Natural wealth must be controlled by the state for the prosperity of the people, not by a small group of individuals,” Mardiono stated. “Indonesia’s economy is largely funded by the people through taxes. Natural wealth should be able to fund 50 per cent of Indonesia’s development. Therefore, the President is introducing various breakthroughs so that the people are not left behind.”
Mardiono, an entrepreneur who entered politics post-Reformasi, noted that Indonesia is currently lagging behind China, particularly in terms of technology, despite China being considered underdeveloped 25 years ago. Mardiono explained this based on his experience as a businessman using many goods from China, which are not only easily accessible but also cheaper than German goods he previously used.
During the meeting, Mardiono sought guidance from UAS regarding the current dynamics in Indonesia and the impact of global conditions on the country. He also sought advice concerning corruption and the governance of bureaucratic reforms, which he noted still bear the remnants of colonialism.
Mardiono, who also serves as the General Chairman of the United Development Party (PPP), was accompanied by several regional party officials from Riau. Regarding the issue of corruption, Mardiono did not deny that such problems had previously affected several high-ranking officials and board members of the Ka’bah-symbolised party. Therefore, in addition to seeking guidance as a state official, he also requested advice for his party.
“Alhamdulillah, I am staying far away from anything that could repeat such issues (corruption),” Mardiono emphasised. In line with this, he requested prayers so that support from the Muslim community would return the PPP to parliament.
Wednesday is a special day for UAS to receive guests; otherwise, he teaches and travels for lectures. From his observations, UAS provided five pieces of input to Mardiono: roads must be good, school fees must be affordable, job opportunities must be accessible, medical subsidies must be increased, and comfortable places of worship must be provided. “Wealth and poverty are part of the natural law (sunnatullah). People become angry because of hunger. If the government can meet these needs, Indonesia will be peaceful and serene. I am also optimistic about legal certainty in Indonesia,” said UAS.
The conversation also included lighthearted remarks from UAS regarding the history of the PPP from the Soeharto era to its current condition. The meeting between Mardiono and UAS continued with a private discussion at Rumah Omak, the residence of UAS.