Jombang, NU Online

Chief of supreme council of Nahdlatul Ulama KH Ma’ruf Amin was visiting a number of Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) in east Java, included Tebuireng Jombang, on Monday (9/3). He accompanied by some figures.

The group arrived around 01.00 pm and go straight to guest room to have a closed meeting. After 60 minutes, the group went out and pilgrimage to the Tebuireng family graves.

During the visit, Kiai Ma’ruf was welcomed by deputy administrator of Tebuireng islamic boarding school KH Abdul Hakim Mahfudz (Gus Kikin) and some Tebuireng administrator. Moreover, they enjoyed lunch at Dhalem Kasepuhan (primary old house). Then, the group moved to the grave of NU founder, KH Hasyim Asy’ari, KH Wahid Hasyim, and KH Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur).

Kiai Ma’ruf said, the visit to Tebuireng was for nostalgia to the pesantren that educated him islamic teaching. Moreover, he told stories the condition and the place when he stayed there. 

“That was my room,” said Kiai Ma’ruf on the way toward the grave, pointing one of the rooms.

“Besides here, (Tebuireng), I studied at Seblak (around 1 km from Tebuireng), I used to take care the nephew,” he said. 

After visiting Tebuireng, the group continued the journey to Pesantren Bahrul Ulum, Tambak Beras. 

At Tambak Beras, Kiai Ma’ruf welcomed by KH Hasib Wahab, son of KH KH Wahab Chasbullah and Hj Mundjidah Wahab, elected regent of Jombang 2018-2023. Accompanied in the welcoming, head of Foundation of Pondok Pesantren Bahrul Ulum KH Wafiyul Ahdi. 

The visit was part of KH Ma’ruf series trip to pesantren in east Java. The trip started from Pesantren Lirboyo, Alfalah (Kediri), then to Jombang (Tebuireng, Tambakberas, Denanyar, Rejoso as well as Driyorejo Gresik, Sunan Drajat Lamongan and met to leaders of NU’s east Java (Syarif Abdurrahman/Ibnu Nawawi)