REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, GRESIK -- During work visits, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) generally travels to Islamic boarding schools in some regions to seek suggestions. He explained the government wanted to hear advises from ulemas.

"We ask the ulema what needs to be fixed or further improved. This is important while visiting Islamic boarding schools," he remarked here on Thursday.

The president made the statement at the Islamic Boarding School of Mamba'us Sholihin located on the Kyai Haji Syafei Street in Gresik District, East Java.

Jokowi and his entourage were greeted to the sounds of tambourines played by the students while waving red and white flags.

He said the regular visit was usually undertaken to at least three boarding schools. The visit held significance to highlight the government's accomplishments.

The Islamic boarding school's caretaker, Kyai Haji Masbuchin Faqih, greeted the head of state along with First Lady Iriana and State Secretary Minister Pratikno.

The president's entourage held a 30-minute discussion at the school caretaker's house.

However, President Jokowi confirmed that during the meeting, the discussion did not center around politics. "We did not speak about politics at all. You can ask him (Kyai Haji) if you do not believe it," he noted.

During the work visit, President Jokowi travelled to some places, including the Islamic Boarding School of Mamba'us Sholihin in East Java, on March 8-9, 2018.

Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika