By: Hasan Al-Hafiz *)
Since childhood, Jokowi is famous for hanging out with anyone. That character was then carried over until he became President of Indonesia. Not only is he close to academic figures, he is also familiar with Muslim leaders, santri and so on. This is evidenced by the large number of government people around the President with a strong Islamic background, in addition to diverse backgrounds.
The involvement of religious scholars, academics and senior Muslim figures in the structure of his government (both from the NU, Muhammadiyah and others) such as Ma’ruf Amin, Ahmad Syafii Ma’arif, Said Aqiel Sirodj, Din Syamsuddin, Mahfud MD, and so on shows his closeness. Therefore, Jokowi is often known to be close and very respectful of such charismatic and distinguished kyai as Habib Luthfi bin Yahya, Kiai Maimun Zubair, Gus Mus and many more.
Looking at the schedule of activities, he seemed to often be attending or visiting various groups of scholars, leaders of Islamic boarding schools and senior scholars in all corners of Indonesia. Not only domestic ulama, Jokowi also built friendships with various scholars from abroad, especially the Middle East, such as Shaykh Ahmad Muhammad al-Tayeb (High Priest of Al-Azhar, Egypt) and Syaikh Abdul Rahman bin Abdul Aziz al-Sudais ( High Priest of Masjid al-Haram, Makah).
President Jokowi has held several meetings with various groups of ulama at home and abroad from various Islamic organizations, to be asked for consideration and perspectives on establishing moderate Islam (wasathiyah) and Indonesian character. In the vision of his government, Jokowi built Indonesia’s mentality and character by upholding religious values. Of course this is accompanied by a sounding of tolerance as an ancestral heritage that keeps people united despite different ethnicities and religions.
The rise of the issue of the criminalization of the ulema carried out by Jokowi raises big questions. In fact, what the opposition has propagated that anti-ulama Jokowi who likes to “criminalize ulama” is completely absurd and far from the facts that occur in the field. There is no evidence that Jokowi Anti Ulama. A number of cases that happened to Habib Rizieq It is a result of his own actions, however, Habib Rizieq also cannot be absolutely called a cleric because his behavior has been very deviated far from realizing the Rahmatan Lil Alamin Islam.
The phrase “criminalization of ulama” is only nonsense to lead opinion and sentiment of public hatred towards President Jokowi, of course the Muslim public will not vote for Jokowi because it has been considered anti or hatred of clerics. Jokowi: Again, there is no gap to criticize Jokowi’s leadership: Development? Education? Health? Welfare? Everything has increased, there is no gap. Religious issues are again becoming fried foods that must be sold to the public.
On the other hand, there are also many people who are mature-minded and can assess President Jokowi’s good relations as a representation of umaro or political leaders with “religious leaders. Groups like this are civil society that puts their own thoughts and views on the government. rocked with issues that were deliberately spread by slanderous groups.
As a religious leader, President Jokowi did not forget to establish good relations with Ulama and religious leaders in various regions. Many scholars and religious leaders entrusted the country’s leadership to the hands of President Jokowi. Jokowi was also named the leader of the most influential Muslim country in the world because of his expertise in managing government affairs, both inside and outside the country. Indonesia is proud to have leaders like President Joko Widodo.
*) Student of Jember State University