Solo, C Java, (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said the history has recorded the big role played by ulemas and santri (students of Islamic boarding schools) during Indonesia`s struggle for independence.

Both ulemas and santri played a great role in maintaining the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia and Unity in Diversity, the president said while attending a Grand Roll Call of Santri Nusantara (santri of the archipelago) on the occasion of National Santri Day 2018 here on Saturday night.

Ulemas and santri are always united to the way of goodness, truthfulness, and progress. Being santri is a choice .to become Muslim who loves the nation, has religious personality and become nationalist

The government declared Santri Day through a presidential regulation three years ago. Since then, the National Santri Day has been observed every October 22.

The declaration of Santri Day is the nation`s way to respect and appreciate ulemas and santri as well as all components of the nation that followed their suit, he said.

"I really understand the nationalism of ulemas and santri when they faced difficult choices. Both ulemas and santri always put the interests of the nation and the state above their interests in accordance with Islamic boarding schools` tradition," he said.***3***

(S012)

Reporting by Bambang Dwi Marwoto





(T.SYS/B/S012/C/S012) 21-10-2018 01:46:17

Reporter: Antara
Editor: Suharto
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