President Yet to Issue a Decision on 'Santri Day'

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), has yet to issue a decision on declaring Muharram 1 Islamic New Year as a 'Santri' (Islamic school students') Day as he had promised during his election campaign.

"Jokowi does not simply want to issue a mere presidential decision on 'Santri Day' but intends to carry out more substantial activities," the former deputy chairman of Jokowi's Transition Team, Andi Widjajanto, said here on Saturday.

Widjajanto stated that a number of more substantial activities, including efforts to develop and advance educational institutions, e, ensure interaction and communication with Muslim scholars and advance the Ummah's financial condition,  were being given priority.

He affirmed that the president would certainly issue the decision stipulating Muharram 1 as a Santri Day, which was also the Islamic New Year.

Although it cannot be issued now, there will be a series of events that will give hints about the announcement of the Santri Day stipulation, Widjajanto said.

Moreover, the General Chairman of the Indonesia Ulemas Council (MUI), Din Syamsuddin, supported the idea of issuing a decree instituting the Santri Day.

"I support any plan to launch a Santri Day. It is a good effort," Syamsuddin said here on Saturday.

He added that the declaration need not happen on Muharram 1 but could be done any time and more important was the essence of such declaration.

"The event at the GBK (Gelora Bung Karno Stadium) tomorrow (Sunday) is not related to the issue of Santri Day but is only to celebrate the Islamic New Year," he stated.

Syamsuddin also pointed out that President Joko Widodo may not be present at these celebrations on Sunday (October 26). He further stated that the president wanted to attend the event, but was busy finalizing the cabinet lineup.

"I received information from the Secretary of State that he may not be present (at the event) as he is busy with cabinet formation work," he noted.

Syamsuddin further pointed out that Santri Day was not an issue related to the Indonesia Ulemas Council from where the president campaigned.

The event celebrating the Islamic New Year will begin at 8 p.m. local time, with musicians and celebrities at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium in Senayan Sports Complex, Central Jakarta.

The MUI will celebrate the Islamic New Year with a variety of activities. (WDY)