Social Minister Visits Pesantren Wali Songo, Discusses People's School
Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, or Gus Ipul, continued his series of Eid al-Fitr outreach visits by meeting several kiai in East Java. These visits form part of efforts to strengthen ties, seek prayers, and convey various government programmes that benefit the public.
In the agenda, Gus Ipul first paid respects at the residence of KH Afifuddin Muhajir, Deputy Chairman of the PBNU Executive Board, in Situbondo. The meeting was warm and filled with camaraderie. Afterwards, he proceeded to the residence of KH Raden Muhammad Kholil As’ad at Pesantren Wali Songo.
“Alhamdulillah, I was able to pay respects to Ra Kholil today. Previously, I also visited several ulama and kiai. Starting from the far west, now in the far east,” said Gus Ipul in a written statement on Saturday (28/3/2026).
He explained that the outreach was conducted specifically to seek prayers and blessings from the ulama.
“Before here, I paid respects to Deputy Chairman KH Afifuddin Muhajir. Of course, my visit here is specifically to request prayers and blessings,” he stated.
In the meeting at Pesantren Wali Songo, which was also attended by Situbondo Regent Yusuf Rio Wahyu Prayogo, Gus Ipul conveyed that support from ulama, kiai, and local government is crucial in implementing pro-people programmes.
“Secondly, we specifically request prayers. This relates to improving public welfare through various government programmes and assistance via the Ministry of Social Affairs. To succeed in this, we need support and assistance from ulama, kiai, and also local government,” said Gus Ipul.
On the same occasion, he also touched on the importance of strengthening the consolidation of social welfare data between the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Situbondo Regency Government to ensure aid distribution is more targeted.
“Today, I am accompanied by Situbondo Regent Mas Rio, who has coordinated and collaborated very well with us so far. Moving forward, we want the Situbondo Regent together with the Ministry of Social Affairs to strengthen data consolidation. So that our data is accurate, in line with reality, and no one who deserves assistance is overlooked,” he added.
He emphasised that data improvement is essential so that social assistance truly reaches eligible citizens.
“On the contrary, people who do not meet the criteria end up receiving aid. Therefore, we want to consolidate data together with Pak Bupati,” said Gus Ipul.
Besides data issues, Gus Ipul also discussed plans for implementing the People’s School in Situbondo. The programme is targeted to begin next year, either through pilots or permanent building construction.
In Situbondo itself, the permanent People’s School is planned to start construction at the end of this year. The land has been prepared and approved by the Ministry of Public Works for immediate construction.
“One of the things we hope for is that next year in Situbondo there must be implementation of the People’s School, whether as a pilot or already using a permanent building,” said Gus Ipul.
According to him, the presence of the People’s School is part of the government’s efforts to expand educational access for those in need while breaking the chain of poverty.
After Situbondo, the Eid outreach continued to the residence of KH Idris Hamid at Pesantren Salafiyah in Pasuruan.