Visit to Islamic Boarding School Has Nothing to Do with Politics: President Jokowi

President Jokowi after visiting Mambaus Sholihin Islamic Boarding School, in Suci Sub-district, Gresik Regency, East Java Province, on Thursday (8/3) (Photo by: Oji/Public Relations Division)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo stressed that visiting Islamic Boarding Schools during most of his working visits to the regions is a routine and has nothing to do with politics.

“We do this on a regular basis. We visit one, two, or three Islamic Boarding Schools in each region. I think it is necessary to explain the public about what has been and will be done by the Government,” President Jokowi said after visiting Mambaus Sholihin Islamic Boarding School in Suci Sub-district, Gresik Regency, East Java Province, Thursday (8/3).

According to the President, on that occasion he also asked for inputs from the ulema (Islamic scholars) about things to be fixed and improved (by the Government). President Jokowi is aware that such inputs are really important when visiting Islamic Boarding Schools.

Asked whether or not he asked recommendation from the Kiai (religious leaders) about Vice Presidential Candidate for the 2019 Presidential Election, President Jokowi stressed that his visit has no connection with political issues.

“You may ask the Kiai. When Pak Kiai asked me questions, I answered it. If he has no question, then I will not respond,” the President added.

President Jokowi and the entourage then headed to Lamongan Regency as part of a series of working visits to East Java Province. (FID/OJI/ES) (RAS/MUR/EP/Naster)