Buya Syaf’i was also known for his closeness to President Joko Widodo. The latter offered him a position in the President’s Advisory Council in 2015, but he refused. He became the Chairman of the Independent Team that mediated the conflict between the National Police and the Corruption Eradication Commission instead. From the 28 February 2018 until the end of his life, Syaf’i Maarif served as a member of the Pancasila Ideology Education Agency (Badan Pembinaan Ideologi Pancasila – “BPIP”)’s Directing Council.
During his condolence speech at the Gedhe Kauman Mosque, Yogyakarta, the President recalled Buya Syaf’i Maarif as a teacher of the Nation who chose to live a simple life: “He was one of the best scions of Muhammadiyah – one who always defended diversity and encourages tolerance between the adherents of different religions. He always reminded us all of the importance of Pancasila as the glue that unites the Nation,” Jokowi said.
Farewell, dear Buya! We will always remember and live by your message of maintaining the unity and integrity of our nation, with Pancasila as the unifier. (Roosyudhi Priyanto)