Indonesia
Author: Prof. M. Mas’ud Said, MM, Ph.D
Director of the Postgraduate Program at Unisma, Chair of the East Java Nahdlatul Ulama Scholars Association.
I am grateful for the opportunity to accompany East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa on her goodwill visit to the United Kingdom in late August 2023.
The Governor of East Java, the first woman with a reputation for top-level government management, joined the delegation in her various capacities: Chairperson of the Central Executive Board of Muslimat Nahdlatul Ulama, Chairperson of the Airlangga University Alumni Association in Surabaya, and Chairperson of the Nahdlatul Ulama Central Executive Board. According to KH Yahya C. Staquf, she is NU’s finest cadre, possessing highly competent technocratic skills.
The logic and reasoning are simple and evident; from a relatively young age, she has held roles as a member and leader of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), served twice as a minister, and now as Governor of East Java, she continues to shine through her work, nearly flawless, with hundreds of top awards in government administration.
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Thus, every activity and initiative he undertakes is intended to strengthen the vision and mission of the organization and its community.
He is a visionary leader. Three, four, or even a dozen demanding and forward-thinking missions define him as a public official and religious social leader capable of collaborating with anyone, across all walks of life and professions. “A resourceful young man from Surabaya, a resilient Bonek,” said Ari Kusuma, his junior at Airlangga University.
It is certain, of course, that every goodwill visit and working trip to various villages and hamlets brings tangible benefits to the local communities he engages with.
The same holds true for this multi-purpose journey in the land of Queen Elizabeth. The schedule is extremely packed, with almost no rest or breaks.
“Prof. Mas’ud Said, alhamdulillah, yes, Prof, it doesn’t feel like we’ve been here for 5 days already. We’ve been taught to make decisions with such perfection,” said Lak Parmin, the protocol officer from the East Java Provincial Government. “It doesn’t feel like we’ve managed to carry out so many important events in a matter of days and hours; smart, fast work, and without a single mistake.”
It can no longer be denied: the former PMII activist and Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, as well as Minister of Social Affairs from 2014 to 2018, this outstanding female technocrat of NU since the organization’s founding 100 years ago has few equals; her hard work and tenacity are unmatched.
Not to mention her loud voice and clear intonation in every presentation, and her systematic and substantial speeches. Perhaps this is because she studied at the College of Da’wah under Prof. M. Roem Rowi, the Qur’anic scholar.
“Khofifah works very quickly and is very decisive,” said President Jokowi during the main event of the 73rd anniversary of Muslimat NU at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium and in Malang.
This measured praise was also expressed on another occasion. Meanwhile, Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia Prof. Dr. KH Makruf Amin referred to her as “a leader who can be counted on to lead Indonesia in the future.” Similar assessments have been made by the late KH A Hasyim Muzadi, KH Sholahudin Wahid, and KH Abdurrahman Wahid.
Most of her close friends and those who have worked or are currently working with her can attest that Khofifah is a leader with “strong leadership” who possesses a deep understanding of mass psychology and political psychology.
Some of her critics, including those who opposed Khofifah in the three East Java gubernatorial elections in 2008, 2013, and 2018, have now largely come around and continue to maintain excellent relations with her. Her attitude is truly admirable. She holds great respect for religious leaders and pesantren heads. Those close to her often report, “Ma’am, that person used to say you were terrible; that’s one of your haters, you know.” Then, with a smile, she replies lightly, “It’s okay; we’re still brothers and sisters because we share the same goal.” This situation has occurred repeatedly at various events.
From what I’ve observed, Khofifah and her team work in a well-organized manner, following a very tight and packed schedule, with discipline and attention to detail. This includes department heads and leaders of local institutions, particularly Muslimat NU, the Khadijah Education Foundation, and the dozen or so nonprofit organizations she has established.
However, there are always people or organizations who feel they aren’t sufficiently valued because, in a single day, there’s a string of external invitations and government activities, sometimes 10 to 12 events in a day and night. Naturally, not all can be attended in person.
That is actually quite normal, because in a day and night, God Almighty provides only 24 hours. “Imagine if God allotted 28 hours in a day and night, it would be different,” she joked.
I myself have been a witness to her energy, capacity, and willingness to make any sacrifice, including financial, emotional, and personal time and effort. It’s possible many people are dissatisfied because they couldn’t meet Mrs. Khofifah or have a lengthy conversation with her.
In the language of the Ministry of Social Affairs, one of the legal requirements to be recognized as a national hero is to go above and beyond one’s duties.
In addition to being an individual who has accompanied her journey over the past 8 years, I was present and joined the delegation in my capacity as Director of the Unisma Malang Graduate School, the top LPTNU campus currently driving the institution toward international collaboration for comparative advantage. My Rector strongly supports this journey of mine.
I was invited, accompanied, and facilitated to meet with several university leaders, including those from the University of Warwick, the University of Nottingham, and King’s College London, which ranks 37th globally, was founded over 200 years ago, and plans to establish partnerships with universities in East Java. We successfully secured commitments for inter-university collaboration.
I, along with Unair’s First Vice Rector, Prof. Bambang Septiari Lukiswanto, and Unipdu Jombang Rector KH Zulfikar As’ad, MMR (Gus Ufik), were not only delighted by the opportunity to meet him but also found it easier to gain access to achieving the top rankings in Indonesia and within LPTNU.
Building a future-oriented, modern campus with extensive networks to world-class international universities is a key prerequisite.
“This is extraordinary and provides significant benefits for East Java, alumni, and Unair,” said Prof. Bambang. Meanwhile, Gus Ufik remarked that this comparison is highly inspiring for educational institutions and the prestige of Indonesian Islam on the global stage,” he added.
Khofifah’s ideas are not merely abstract; they are actively pursued, explained, and brought to fruition. She fights for them, even accompanying her efforts with prayers and remembrance of God, night prayers, and charity for orphans, as well as prayers in every activity she undertakes.
Khofifah is far from the impression of a dreamer with grand ideas but no action. Her work is tangible, breaking the habit of people who only like to talk nonsense without taking real action.
Her life seems to be dedicated solely to the honor of the Muslim community and the needs of the people of East Java. Her schedule is extremely packed, focused on promoting moderate Islam on the international stage.
In the UK, her agenda also involves strengthening the Indonesian diaspora and student community in Europe. This is a potential that many figures have already explored.
The strength of Khofifah’s trade mission strategy, particularly in the UK, lies in her revitalization of the Muslimat and IKA Unair movements, which were received with great enthusiasm by students, Indonesian residents, and, of course, the Indonesian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Dr. Desra Percaya, PhD.
International-level business leaders gathered to listen intently to the Governor’s presentation, which demonstrated a strong commitment to cooperation valued at trillions of rupiah.
British conglomerates appeared delighted to be offered business opportunities in East Java. They had only recently realized that Indonesia’s economic hub is in East Java. It is easy to understand why East Java has become the economic epicenter of Indonesia.
At an event on August 27, 2023, in the UK, Khofifah received the Global Leadership Awards from an international Muslim organization recognizing her role on a global scale and as an Asian Muslim figure deemed capable of inspiring and benefiting the world.
In the context of East Java’s economy during this 5-day visit, Khofifah has prepared and organized a successful international trade mission that convinced European traders and investors to participate in East Java’s development.
Her presentation was so convincing that significant investment is expected to flow in the near future, as investors are confident in the streamlined bureaucracy and a healthy, productive business environment.
We, the delegation of university leaders participating in this goodwill visit, were delighted, and at times even amazed by the extent of Khofifah’s network and the warm reception from the international community.
Our days were filled with spiritual and social gatherings with NU members and leaders, as well as the inauguration of the special Muslimat NU UK chapter at a highly prestigious venue: the Indonesian Islamic Centre London (IICL). This was made possible by a collective endowment of 1,500 pounds, a source of pride for Muslims, particularly Muslimat NU.
The Indonesian Islamic Centre London (IICL) is the hub of Islamic activities in the UK and a symbol of NU’s resurgence abroad.
As stated by the Chairperson of the London Muslimat NU Chapter, monthly Quran recitation sessions, tahlil, and Islamic rebana performances are centered in the North West London area, which was formerly a Jewish enclave. This marks the first time Muslimat NU has been inaugurated by its General Chairperson.
For the record, the IICL is a former Jewish synagogue that was purchased by church officials. Then, in 2022, it was purchased by the Indonesian community, specifically NU.
Throughout the event, the Chairwoman of the Muslimat NU Regional Chapter and several Muslimat members were so moved and happy that they cried, as they were able to meet their role model. The local PCNU Chair, Shandi Adiguna, was also very proud of the event attended by the PBNU Chairwoman.
Sometimes we worry about the future of NU, given the significant internal and external challenges. However, with a figure and system like the one implemented by Khofifah, along with her performance, we still have plenty of hope.
We can feel relieved and hope that the future of the Islamic world will be better, with the emergence of other leaders who possess the highest quality.
