Dewi Nurita, Jakarta – Vice presidential hopeful number 01 Ma'ruf Amin asserted that the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) was an independent institution that should not set up any event related to practical politics. Ma'ruf touched on an Islamist gathering dubbed Munajat 212 on Thursday evening, February 21, which was initiated by MUI Jakarta.

"A gathering is okay, but do not use it as a political tool and do not politicize MUI," said Ma'ruf Amin today in his residence on Jalan Situbondo, Jakarta. Ma'ruf, however, was non-committal when asked whether last night's event was political.

Ma'ruf stressed that he, as vice presidential candidate-cum-MUI chairman, will not utilize the institution as his political vehicle. "Let MUI be an independent body, do not use [MUI as a political tool], that has become an agreement, so MUI Jakarta, don't use MUI as a political vehicle, that is against the deal," he added.

MUI Jakarta kicked off mass prayer event in Monas, Jakarta, Thursday, February 21. It said the event's name was not Munajat 212, but rather salawat recitation. However, as the event was held on February 21, it was abbreviated as 212.

The national campaign team of Jokowi-Ma'ruf assessed that the Munajat 212 was laden with campaigns and a part of politicization of religion.

According to the campaign team spokesperson, Ace Hasan Syadzily, it was evident in the two-finger salute made by Gerindra deputy chairman Fadli Zon and the speech delivered by the National Mandate Party (PAN) chairman Zulkifli Hasan, as well as the presence of a number of figures backing presidential candidate number 02, Prabowo Subianto.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1178424/maruf-amin-do-not-use-mui-as-political-tool