PPP Deputy Chairman Receives West Java Ulama's Call to Prioritise Deliberation and Islamic Values

Bandung (ANTARA) — United Development Party (PPP) Deputy Chairman Agus Suparmanto received pointed advice from the caretaker of Miftahul Huda Islamic Boarding School in Manonjaya, Tasikmalaya, KH Asep Ahmad Maoshul Affandy, during a Ramadan safari visit, urging the party to prioritise deliberation and Islamic values.

The cleric, affectionately known as Eyang Asep, said that the PPP Central Executive Board’s (DPP) policies have begun to drift from the principles of deliberation and Islamic values, and that a gap has opened between the central leadership and the party’s kiai (Islamic scholars).

“I am deeply concerned about PPP’s situation of late. The DPP’s policies do not reflect Islamic ways and have deviated from the principle of deliberation. The tradition of expelling cadres must come to an end,” Asep said in a statement in Bandung on Sunday.

Asep reminded PPP of its great responsibility to return to parliament in the 2029 general elections as the bearer of the ulama’s mandate.

According to Asep, Miftahul Huda could serve as a significant vote-generating asset. In West Java alone, the pesantren’s alumni network has made a notable contribution, accounting for 14 of PPP’s 78 provincial legislative council (DPRD) seats — some 18 per cent — in the province.

“It is incumbent upon us to safeguard this party, the legacy of the ulama,” he said.

In response, PPP Deputy Chairman Agus Suparmanto stated that the purpose of his visit was to restore family ties that had become strained.

He acknowledged that the blessing of the ulama is an absolute prerequisite if the party wishes to revive itself.

“PPP is a legendary party that has endured for 53 years thanks to the struggles of the ulama. If PPP wants to rise again, it must begin with the prayers and blessings of the ulama,” he said.

After departing Manonjaya, the Ramadan safari continued to Cipasung Islamic Boarding School to meet KH Ubaidillah Ruhiat. During the meeting, Kiai Ubaidillah prayed that the central leadership would remain steadfast in championing the aspirations of the Muslim community.

The gathering was also attended by PPP West Java Acting Regional Chairman Pepep Saeful Hidayat along with a number of central functionaries. The safari series is scheduled to continue to several major pesantren in Bandung, including Ponpes Alfalah and Baitul Arqom.