After serving as the Vice President of Indonesia, KH Ma’ruf Amin has returned to his roots, accepting the mantle of Chairman of the Syura Council for the Partai Kebangkitan Bangsa (PKB). This decision, announced at the closing ceremony of the PKB’s 6th Muktamar in Nusa Dua, Bali, marks a significant chapter in the party’s history and for the influential cleric himself.
Ma’ruf Amin, who had initially planned to dedicate his post-Vice Presidency years to his beloved pesantren, found it difficult to resist the call to lead the PKB’s Syura Council. “After my term as Vice President ends in October, I intended to return to my pesantren, care for the students, and enjoy my retirement,” he shared. “However, the request from the kiai [religious leaders] to become the Chairman of the Syura Council was impossible to decline.”
This decision stemmed from his deep connection to the PKB, a party he co-founded and served as the first Chairman of the Syura Council in 1978. “It’s difficult for me to forget the PKB. I, along with other kiai, established this party. I was part of the five-member team that worked tirelessly to ensure its birth. We drafted the party’s framework and brought it to life,” he emphasized.
The return of Ma’ruf Amin, after a 26-year absence, signifies a powerful reunion with the party. “Serving as Chairman of the Syura Council again after 26 years feels like a record-breaking achievement. Back then, Pak Muhaimin was the Secretary-General, and now, he’s the party leader after serving multiple terms,” he added with a smile.
However, his acceptance came with a condition. “For the sake of collective prosperity and common interests, I accept this request. But, I have a condition: the Syura Council must be given its due position, and all crucial decisions need to be made in consultation with the Syura Council and the party leader,” he stated firmly.
A Return Rooted in Trust and Tradition
The appointment of Ma’ruf Amin as the new Chairman of the Syura Council was a direct result of the recommendations made by esteemed PKB kiai during the Muktamar. Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar, popularly known as Cak Imin, who was re-elected as the party’s leader, unveiled the decision based on these discussions.
“Following the deliberations, the kiai unanimously agreed and proposed Al Mukaromah Professor Dr. KH Ma’ruf Amin as the Chairman of the Syura Council,” explained Cak Imin during the Muktamar’s fourth plenary session.
This move showcases the significant role the Syura Council plays in the PKB, acting as a guiding force rooted in tradition and religious values. The return of Ma’ruf Amin, a revered figure within the party and beyond, further strengthens the PKB’s foundations and signals a clear commitment to its core principles.
This appointment not only marks a homecoming for Ma’ruf Amin but also signals a renewed commitment to the PKB’s ideals of social justice, religious tolerance, and inclusivity. His presence at the helm of the Syura Council is expected to guide the party towards achieving its vision of a prosperous and equitable Indonesia.
Image Credit: Okezone
