REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SURABAYA -- Vice presidential candidate number 01 KH Ma'ruf Amin reminded Islamic boarding schools students (santri) to not feel inferior and feel unable to occupy strategic positions in Indonesia. He said that the chance is wide open, including the opportunity to become president.

"To all santri, do not feel inferior. You must be optimistic. You can be kiai, entrepreneurs, ministers, vice president or even become president," Kiai Ma'ruf said while attending the consolidation of the National Awakening Party (PKB) cadres in Surabaya, East Java, on Saturday (Sept 29).

Kiai Ma'ruf exemplified the fourth President of the Republic of Indonesia the late Abdurrahman Wahid or commonly known as Gus Dur. With his knowledge and achievements, Gus Dur who had santri background could become president.

"Gus Dur was a santri, kiai, and ulema. He could be a president, so you students must not feel inferior," Kiai Ma'ruf reiterated.

Kiai Ma'ruf also made himself as example. The supreme leader of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) was chosen by incumbent President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) as vice presidential candidate.

"I am grateful that I am a NU cadre, santri, kiai and elected vice president. Even though President Jokowi could have chosen a professional, politician, or others. I hope that now I am elected as vice president, tomorrow there are more students who can be selected not only as vice president but as president," said Kiai Ma'ruf.

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