MUI Supports Declaration of Santri Day by President

Jakarta (Antara) - The chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Din Syamsuddin supported the declaration of Santri (madrassa students) Day by President Joko Widodo in honor of the Islamic new year 1346 Hijra. "I support any plan of launching of Santri Day, it is a good effort," Din Syamsuddin said here on Saturday. According to Din Syamsuddin, the declaration does not need to be on the 1st of Muharram, but could be any time. The most important part of the declaration was its essence. "The event tomorrow (Sunday) at the GBK is not related to the issue of Santri Day, but the Islamic new year celebration," he said. He pointed out that President Joko Widodo may not arrive during the Islamic new year celebration on Sunday (October 26). "I received information from the Secretary of State, he will not necessarily be present due to forming the cabinet," he emphasized. He stated that President Joko Widodo wanted to attend the celebration, but he was still busy forming the cabinet. Meanwhile, he noted that the Santri Day was not an issue related to the MUI from when the President was campaigning. In celebration of the Islamic new year, the event will begin at 08.00 p.m. local time with musicians and celebrities at Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium in Senayan sports complex, Central Jakarta. The MUI will celebrate the Islamic new year with a variety of activities. (*)