Sukoharjo, NU Online
The leaders of pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) across Soloraya held a meeting at Pesantren al-Fatah Krapyak Kartasura Sukoharjo over the weekend.<>

The pesantren association so-called the Rabithah Ma'ahid Islamiyah of Nahdlatul Ulama (RMI) of Soloraya, according to Pesantren al-Fatah leader, KH Drs Mahbub, the meeting was to further cultivate relationship among pesantren circles.

"In addition we will also discuss the current policies related to pesantren, hopely we can participate in it," Mahbub said.

Mahbub added, the meeting was also attended by representatives from the Office of the Religious Education and Pesantren (Pekapontren) of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Sukoharjo, Central Java.

The lecturer of the Surakarta's State Institute for Islamic Studies (IAIN) said the pesantren forum would be held regularly every Sunday Legi (Javanese calendar).
"This is the fourth. there had previously been meetings in (such regions as) Sragen, Boyolali and Karanganyar," he explained.

Mahbub hoped this forum could strengthen NU pesantren in Soloraya area in particular and surrounding areas in general.

Reporting by Ajie Najmuddin; Editing by Sudarto Murtaufiq