Ayatullah Saleh

Ayatullah Saleh (28 February 1928 – 5 February 1992) was an Indonesian kyai and politician who became the member of the Jakarta Regional People's Representative for fourteen years, the council's deputy speaker from 1966 until 1971, and as the member of the People's Consultative Assembly from 1972 until 1977.

Early life Ayatullah was born on 28 February 1928 in Duren Sawit, a small community in Batavia, Dutch East Indies. He attended elementary school and dropped out in the 5th grade. He was then brought to Mecca and studied at the Daarul Ulum madrasa until 1941. After that, he returned to Batavia—now renamed to Jakarta—and studied at the Unwanul-Falah madrasa until 1945. In addition to his formal studies in elementary school and madrasas, Ayatullah also took Islamic studies in pesantrens and attend English and typing courses.

After 1945, Ayatullah taught in several schools and madrasas. He also held control over several companies in Klender, Duren Sawit. Ayatullah still kept his seat following multiple formations and dissolutions of the council. Thus, on 16 April 1966, the council unanimously elect Ayatullah and two council members named Erwin Baharuddin and Moeffreni Moe'min to become the acting leadership of the council. After a new governor was elected, Ayatullah was elected as the deputy speaker of the council on 20 July 1966 and was confirmed on 3 August. He represented Islamic groups in the council in his capacity as the deputy speaker.

Ayatullah became a member of the People's Consultative Assembly after the elections ended, representing Jakarta through the Regional Delegation faction.