JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – Sheikh Ahmad bin Ali Al-Hudhaify, the Grand Imam of Masjid Nabawi, arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, on the evening of October 7 as part of a state visit to Indonesia.

Upon his arrival, Sheikh Ahmad was welcomed by officials from the Saudi Arabian Embassy, the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Muhammadiyah, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), the Indonesian Da’wah Council, and various Islamic universities.

Sheikh Ahmad and his delegation landed at the VVIP Terminal shortly after 10:30 PM local time.

He took a moment to engage in conversation with representatives from several Islamic organizations in Indonesia.

“I am grateful for the warm welcome I received from everyone. I want to express my deep affection for all Muslims in Indonesia,” Sheikh Ahmad stated.

Following the airport reception, Sheikh Ahmad proceeded to Jakarta in a vehicle provided by the Saudi Embassy. Kamaruddin Amin, the Director-General of Islamic Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, emphasized that this visit aims to strengthen ties between Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, highlighting the emotional connection as the Imam of Masjid Nabawi.

Scheduled for October 8, Sheikh Ahmad is set to meet with Indonesia’s Vice President Ma’ruf Amin and Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas at the State Palace in Jakarta.

He will also engage with MUI officials, various Islamic organizations, and several pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) during his visit.

“Insya Allah, he will be welcomed at the palace by Vice President Ma’ruf Amin, and we are currently awaiting confirmation,” Kamaruddin Amin noted.