When the Ulama Recount the Blood-Soaked Struggle for Pramono Anung in the Jakarta Gubernatorial Election

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The General Chairman of the Habib Ulama Forum (FUHAB) for DKI Jakarta, Muhammad Luthfi Zawawi, touched on the backing that ulama have given to DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung. He said that from the start ulama had already expressed support for Pramono when he sought to run in the DKI Jakarta gubernatorial election in 2024. In addition, ulama and leaders of Betawi community organisations frequently discussed strategies to back Pramono at the FUHAB Secretariat in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta.

“I gathered all Islamic organisations in Jakarta here; I only want to determine the figure named Pramono Anung to become Governor of DKI Jakarta. With blood and sweat we defend him,” he said.

Luthfi also revealed that FUHAB is often derided by other organisations for consistently defending Pramono. However, FUHAB continues to back the PDI-P politician because they regard Pramono as the right person to lead Jakarta.

“We do not think about party politics. I told Mr Pram: ‘I do not choose a party, I choose a Governor. I want a Governor who pays attention to Jakarta’. It turns out that God destined our leader; this is the best leader for now,” Luthfi said.

He then pointed to FUHAB’s regular religious and social activities, namely providing religious knowledge for street children in the Blok M area and surrounding areas. Currently, FUHAB provides religious education regularly to 250 street children around Blok M.

The office premises now require physical repairs.

“When we first occupied this place, it was renovated, with ornaments that did not change. It has been almost six years since we moved in in 2021 and there has never been another renovation, though now it is beginning to leak in places,” Luthfi said.

“So I invited the Governor to tour around, but he found out. He said, ‘I know what the Kiai intends by inviting me around’. He had already read the message,” he added.