Social Affairs Minister and PBNU Chairman join at the Presidential Palace after Maghrib

Jakarta — The Minister of Social Affairs, Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul), the Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar, the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhaimin Iskandar, and the Chairman of PBNU Yahya Cholil Nafis gathered at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Thursday evening to meet President Prabowo Subianto as part of a silaturahmi with Islamic scholars.

Gus Ipul said the President wishes to hold discussions with many Islamic figures to exchange views. He added that the gathering provides a momentum for dialogue. ‘This is an opportunity to discuss, and it is being offered collectively for the nation,’ he said. He hopes the dialogue with the President can generate positive energy for the country. According to him, the President can explain various government policies in a way that the public can understand.

The same goes for Muhaimin Iskandar, known as Cak Imin. He admitted he attended the presidential palace to break the fast with others. He said he did not know yet whether the meeting would also cover the current situation with the scholars.

Meanwhile, Gus Yahya said the gathering is expected to provide explanations of several important matters, including the strategic steps taken by the President. ‘Perhaps he will also share his views with the leaders and scholars regarding developments in the latest international dynamics, which are quite worrying. I think that is what we anticipate. But what is important is the decisions made,’ he said.

Silaturahmi and the breaking of fast with the President were also attended by preacher Muhammad Subki Al-Bughury, Buya Yahya, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Majelis Rasulullah Pusat Nabiel Al Musawa, the ICMI Advisory Council Jimly Asshiddiqie, the Rais Syuriyah of PBNU KH Cholil Nafis, and preacher Dedeh Rosidah.