Bangkalan, E Java (ANTARA News) - Several ulemas, or Islamic scholars, from Madura Island, East Java Province, have voiced their support to presidential incumbent Joko Widodo (Jokowi).

Their support was conveyed to Jokowi during a gathering called a Great Declaration of Madura`s Ulemas held here, Wednesday.

Ulemas and members of the Consortium of Cadres of Gus Dur, the former Indonesian president Abdurahman Wahid, voiced their support to the Jokowi-Ma`ruf Amin pair at the event coordinated by Yenny Wahid, the daughter of Gus Dur.

Jokowi said his administration has decided to make the Surabaya-Madura (Suramadu) bridge free to the public.

He also said the government is pushing a Bill on Pondok Pesantren (Islamic Board School) that will also concern budget allocation for Islamic boarding schools.

Jokowi also said that national unity should be protected, as it is the most precious asset of the country.

Among those accompanying President Jokowi during his visit to Madura Island were Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, La Nyalla Mataliti, and Rommahurmuziy.

Bangkalan`s ulemas invited to the event were KH. Muhammad Faishal Anwar, KH. Zubair Muntashor, KH. Abdul Azhim Kholily, R.KH. Fakhrillah Aschal, KH. Abdul Muhaimin Makki, and KH. Syaifuddin Damanhuri, among others.

Among ulemas from Sampang District, Madura Island, also invited to the event were KH. Syafiuddin Wahid, Jabir Ali Ridha, KH. Mamak Muafi, KH. Ja`far Wahid, KH. Fauzan Zainal, and Wasik Masrai.

Invitees from Pamekasan District comprised KH. Afifuddin Toha, KH. Muhdlar Qarib, KH. Ja`far Fauzi, KH. Hamid Mannan, KH. Taufiq Hasyim, KH. Misbahul Munir LC, and KH. Hadari Ramli.

Sumenep`s ulemas joining the declaration included KH. Moh. Taufiq Rahman Fm, KH. Panji Taufiq, KH. Syafraji, KH. Imam Hasyim, KH. Abdul Muqshid, and KH. Imam Khodri.

Indonesia will organize simultaneous presidential and legislative elections on April 17, 2019, where incumbent Jokowi and rival Prabowo are set to go head-to-head.
Reporting by Hanni Sofia, Fardah

Reporter: Antara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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