Jokowi: Buya Syafii Maarif is 83-Year-Old but Akin to Milliennial

TEMPO.CO, Bogor - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has expressed his admiration to Ahmad Syafii Maarif or Buya Syafii, a former chairman of the country’s second largest Islamic organization Muhammadiyah. Jokowi said Syafii was akin to the millennial generation despite being 83-year-old. 

According to Jokowi, Syafii remained a strong figure who frequently gave him suggestions. Syafii, he said, would directly visit the State Palace or ring him to deliver his advice or criticism if there was any. 

“That is my common interaction with Buya Syafii Maarif. Because of his spirit, I think Buya looks like a millennial,” said Jokowi during the Indonesia Congress Millennial Movement in Bogor Palace on Monday, November 12. 

Read: Buya Syafii Talks about Ma'ruf Amin, MUI Fatwa, and 212 Movement 

Jokowi recalled the spirit of Buya Syafii during their discussions on public unity and harmony, as well as Indonesia's development. “Because we understand that future challenges have become more complex,” he underlined. 

According to the president, many young generations have forgotten that Indonesia has many religions, tribes, and culture—a message the president also reminded to the congress' participants. 

Jokowi also appealed to all millennials to maintain harmony despite having different choices of political parties and presidential candidates. “Look at the contents on social media, where opinions lead to conflicts among us and trigger intolerance. This is very dangerous, as I frequently say,” he remarked.

AHMAD FAIZ IBNU SANI