Malang, NU Online
Chairman of the East Java's Ma'arif NU, Prof Dr. Abdul Haris greatly appreciated President Jokowi for fulfilling his campaing promise and recognizing the role of Muslims during the independence struggle by declaring the National Santri Day on 22 Oct.<>

"The nation's independence could be achieved due to the tiresless struggle of ulema (Muslim scholars) in defending the beloved country of ours," he told NU Online here recently.

According to Haris, the Oct 22 1945 event was a very important momentum, especially for pesantren (Islamic baording schools) circles in commomorating the so-called Jihad Resolution issued by the founder of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) KH Hasyim Asy'ari.

"In the time, Mbah Hasyim did encourage all Muslims in the country to defend the nation's independence from the Dutch colonists," he said, adding it was based on the Mbah Hasyim's fatwa that defending the nation was an obligation for each Muslim.

Haris also called on all Indonesian people in general and Muslims in particular to take into account what the pesantren circles achieved in 1945 when they played an important role in taking a stand against colonizers and the struggle for independence.

As reported by NU Online President Jokowi, in his speech during the celebration at the Istiqlal Grand Mosque, Central Jakarta, declared Oct 22 as the National Santri Day, saying the day would adopt a spirit of maintaining diversity.

“Believe that our diversity as a nation — whether it is in ethnic groups, religions or culture — embraces the values of mutual respect and tolerance, as well as the spirit of maintaining brotherhood among all citizens," he said. (masdar)