TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Vice presidential candidate Ma’ruf Amin visited Tanah Batak, North Sumatra on Friday, October 5. He was presented with a number of souvenirs—including traditional Batak cloth ulos, Siborong-borong coffee and a miniature of a traditional Batak house—by local figures.
Ma’ruf paid a visit to the tombs of the Sisingamangaraja kings in Balige city and the North Tapanuli Regent’s office and attended the anniversary ceremony of North Tapanuli Regency. After the visits, Ma’ruf made a speech near the tomb complex.
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Ma’ruf also invited the community to commemorate the services of King Sisingamangaraja XII as one of the national heroes. “The founders of the nation fought for this country with blood and tears. One of our heroes is King Sisingamangaraja XII. Let’s thank him for his dedication and sacrifices,” said Ma'ruf on Friday, October 5.
Ma’ruf also met with Ephorus HKBP and all church leaders in North Sumatra. Ma’ruf was accompanied by his wife, Wury Estu Handayani, and a number of regional heads from the vicinity of Lake Toba.
This is Ma’ruf Amin’s first visit outside of Java. Beginning 12 days ago Ma'ruf Amin has traveled to West Java, East Java and Banten, where he also visited ulemas' tombs and Islamic boarding schools.
DEWI NURITA
