Bojonegoro, NU Online
In the midst of the political campaign season ahead of the general election, the Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama Scholars Association (ISNU) confirmed it would be neutral in the much-awaited 2014 election.<>

"ISNU may not involve in practical politics structurally and will not use the institution and the organization for political purposes for  NU will not engage in pratical politics," Chairman of isnu Dr. H. Ali Masykur Musa said here on Sunday (16/3).

Ali Masykur made the remarks on the sidelines of a discussion after inaugurating the Bojonegoro's Branch Board of ISNU at Dewarna Hotel, Jl. Veteran, Bojonegoro, East Java.

The member of the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) also said that Isnu had got a good place in society, adding "there have now been a growing belief among NU intellectuals to again be a part of NU through ISNU."

"NU young people, NU intellectuals, (NU) bureaucrats, (NU) businessmen have gathered and begun to return to NU," Ali Masykur said.

He added, ISNU was a container that will redistribute opportunity for its cadres to occupy positions in accordance with their own capabilities. 

"The task of ISNU is opening canal, giving the place to its all members," he added.

Meanwhile, chairman of a reliable survey organization Polcomm Institute Heri Budianto recently said that the Nahdlatul Ulama Scholars Association (ISNU) chairman Ali Masykur Musa could compete with Jakarta Governor Joko "Jokowi" Widodo in the 2014 presidential election.

Heri said that Ali Msykur's popularity had increased as respondents considered that he had greater support from the Nahdliyin (the faithful members of NU) and interfaith organizations and activists.

“As a member who was born from and plays an active role in NU, it’s normal if Ali Masykur receives greater supports from NU members. Although he ranks third, he has the potential to garner lots of votes,” said Heri.

He further said that Ali Masykur had also been deemed successful in carrying out his duties as a BPK member, especially when it came to handling environment and food security issues.

A political expert from the University of Padjadjaran, Lely Arrianie, said if Ali Masykur could approach young people and capitalize on their supports, he would get an even higher electability rating. 

Editing by Sudarto Murtaufiq