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Agus gets warm welcome from ‘majelis taklim’
A narrow street in Cipinang sub-district, East Jakarta, on Monday turned into a lively stage to extend political support to Jakarta gubernatorial candidate Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono from two female Islamic study groups, popularly known as majelis taklim.
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Showing support --Members of Darusalam and Al Mujahidin Islamic study groups, or majelis taklim, in Cipinang, East Jakarta, prepare to perform qasidah (an Islamic traditional musical performance) to welcome Jakarta gubernatorial candidate Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono on Jan. 30.
(JP/Moses Ompusunggu)
A
narrow street in Cipinang sub-district, East Jakarta, on Monday turned into a lively stage to extend political support to Jakarta gubernatorial candidate Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono from two female Islamic study groups, popularly known as majelis taklim.
Despite the fierce heat of the sun, members of the two majelis taklim, Al Mujahidin and Darusalam, enthusiastically welcomed Agus, who as usual wore his trademark black long-sleeve shirt emblazoned with an “Agus-Sylvi” campaign logo. To distinguish their groups, Al Mujahidin members wore gray headscarves and black long dresses while Darusalam followers wore bright green dresses and headscarves.
Gathering around the entrance of the street, they performed qasidah, a traditional music number featuring Islamic songs. They claimed their qasidah performance was only prepared hours before the candidate arrived.
The two groups escorted Agus, whose running mate is Sylviana Murni in the 2017 Jakarta election, to walk along the street. Men, women and children, some of whom were still wearing their school uniforms, packed the area.
The atmosphere during the qasidah performance grew political when Agus, who was accompanied by local figure Ma'ruf bin Janim, prepared to give a speech.
"Agus-Sylvi is number one! Agus-Sylvi is my choice!" chanted the female members of Darusalam and Al Mujahidin. They beat their traditional tambourines, rebana, with enthusiastic energy as they chanted.
Speaking on stage, Agus promised he would provide financial assistance to support the activities of grass roots communities, including majelis taklim, if elected.
“Insya Allah [God willing],” Al Mujahidin chairwoman Euis Julaeha, 48, responded. “I will vote for him [Agus] because he is a Muslim. [...] He is also young. It’s likely that he could bring prosperity to Jakarta.” (ebf)
