Jakarta, NU Online
Indonesia’s largest Muslim organization, Nadhlatul Ulama (NU) celebrated its 89th birthday at its Jakarta office recently.  <>

In his speech during the event, NU general chairman KH Said Aqil Siradj said NU will continue to spread its message of "Strengthening Nationalism through Tolerance."

"Islam alone will not [be] able to unify all Indonesian citizens. Nationalism without Islam feels dry. Those two factors must work in co-existence," he said.

He added that as a leading Muslim organization, NU must be committed to protecting minorities.

"We are proud to be the largest Muslim organization, but we will be humble, acknowledge other religion, and work with them for the greatest Indonesia," he continued.

Said also highlighted NU's role in Indonesian politics.

"NU has political power, relying on strong religious beliefs, but we will continue to use this power to pursue justice. We are pursuing a moderate Muslim," he continued.

NU to fight terrorism and radicalism

The event was also attended by many Indonesian officials including Vice President Jusuf Kalla .

In his speech, Kalla (his common name) encouraged NU members to be aware of the threat of radicalism, especially with the spread of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

The vice president said NU can use its power to fight terrorism and radicalism.

"I encourage all NU members to think about how we can contribute to the development of Indonesia. So we can use our country as a good example for the world that moderate Muslims can fight radicalism and limit terrorism ," he said.

He added the challenge itself is changing over time.

"In the past, NU had an important role in establishing Indonesia as a nation state. Now we have that freedom, but we’re also facing other challenges to keep our nation united," he continued.

He urged Muslims to unite.

"NU should be able to limit radicalism. Radicalism will only divide Indonesia as a nation state. We had this experience in our history, and we were weak as a nation. It is an important lesson.

So we need to unite against those who use Islam to kill ; that is an action that is not according to our religion and we should fight against it," he explained.

Yudi Latif, a cultural and national expert, said NU has a bigger role for Indonesia.

"NU has the capacity to initiate change for Indonesia. This is a special change that will lead Indonesia as a peaceful and harmonious country for everyone to live in," he told Khabar at the event, adding some NU members are in Jokowi's working cabinet.

Joseph Kristiadi from the Center for Strategic and International Studies ( CSIS ) said that NU's commitment and assets are the main capital for Indonesia.

"With good management, NU can take advantage of its power as the largest civic organization and continue its work to bring prosperity to Indonesia through education, security, and other aspects," he told Khabar.

He noted NU has shown its commitment to these efforts with the event announcement that 23 new NU universities were officially launched.

"They are spreading all over Indonesia," Said said while announcing the openings. "We hope to educate our youth and those who want to improve themselves for a brighter future."

Former NU leader, Hasyim Muzadi, said NU's power and ability to improve Indonesia is because of the local commitment of each member.

"NU will not rely on foreign aid," he said. "So far we have never had concerns about budget constraints. But we need more and more people who have the same commitment as we do, to build Indonesia."

Event attendee Indira Widjianti, a 34-year-old Jakarta resident, said she is proud of NU's commitment.

"[It is] Very nationalistic and very inspiring," she said. "I hope NU will continue its mission. I am glad I am part of this mission too."

Editing by Sudarto Murtaufiq