Ma'ruf Amin, born on March 11, 1943, is a prominent Indonesian politician and Islamic cleric who made history by serving as the 13th vice president of Indonesia from 2019 to 2024. At nearly seventy-seven years old at the time of his inauguration, he holds the distinction of being the oldest individual to assume the vice presidency in the nation's history.
Before stepping into this significant political role, Ma'ruf was the chairman of the Indonesian Ulama Council (Majelis Ulama Indonesia, or MUI). His leadership in this esteemed organization underscored his influence within the Islamic community in Indonesia. On August 9, 2018, he was announced as the running mate for President Joko Widodo in the upcoming presidential election, marking a pivotal moment in his political career.
In preparation for his candidacy, Ma'ruf made the decision to resign from his position as General Leader (rais 'aam syuriah) of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the largest Islamic organization in the world. This move highlighted his commitment to serving the nation and his readiness to take on the responsibilities that come with high office.