Prabowo: Never Erase the Contributions of Islamic Scholars

RRI.CO.ID, Jombang – President Prabowo Subianto expressed his respect for the kiai (Islamic religious figures, usually leaders of religious boarding schools) and ulama (Islamic scholars), recognizing their contributions and role in Indonesia’s national history. He made the remarks while attending and officially opening the 35th Muktamar (Congress) of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) at Bahrul Ulum Tambakberas Islamic Boarding School in Jombang Regency, East Java, on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

In his speech, President Prabowo highlighted the important role of ulama, kiai, and pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) in defending Indonesia’s independence. According to him, although Indonesia proclaimed its independence in Jakarta, the struggle to defend it faced one of its greatest tests in the Battle of Surabaya in late 1945.

“And in the Battle of Surabaya from October–November 1945, the role of the ulama, the role of the kiai, and the role of the pesantren was enormous," he said.

Drawing on this history, Prabowo then introduced the phrase "Jas Hijau" ('green suit' or 'green jacket'). In this context, "Jas Hijau" is an Indonesian acronym for "Jangan sekali-sekali menghilangkan jasa ulama" (Never, ever erase the contributions of the ulama).

The expression refers to "Jas Merah", a phrase coined by Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno, urging people never to forget history. Through "Jas Hijau", Prabowo called on all Indonesians to always remember the scholars' contributions.

"Therefore, I would like to say that, if I’m not mistaken, Bung Karno once said ‘Jas Merah’: Jangan sekali-kali melupakan sejarah (Never, ever forget history). I would like to say ‘Jas Hijau’: Never, ever forget the contributions of the ulama," the president said.

Prabowo’s tribute was not limited to ulama widely known by the public. He specifically expressed his appreciation for kiai in communities across the country who have devoted themselves to serving society, even though their work does not always receive public attention or media coverage.

"Thank you to all the ulama, both those who are well known and the village kiai whose names may never appear on television. Yet every day they help safeguard the morals of our children," he said.

According to Prabowo, the dedication of ulama and kiai is essential to maintaining the community's well-being. From villages across the country, he said they continue to foster harmony, preserve peace, and pray for the nation without expecting anything in return from the state.

"Thank you. I extend my deepest respect to all the ulama," the President continued.

NU was founded in 1926 as an organization firmly rooted in the traditionalist strain of Islam. NU estimates that as many as 160 million Indonesians identify themselves as affiliated with NU, making it the largest Islamic organization worldwide if all of them are assumed to be formal members.