Jombang, NU Online
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, along with First Lady Ani Yudhoyono, attended the 4th death anniversary of former president Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) at the Tebuireng Islamic boarding school in Jombang, East Java, on Friday evening.<>

He arrived at the location at around 7.30 p.m. and was welcomed by the Principal KH Solahuddin Wahid and Gus Durs wife, Shinta Nuriyah Abdurrahman Wahid. The school principal is also the younger brother of Gus Dur.

The prayer service was led K.H. Masduqi Al Hafidz.

Several cabinet ministers attending the event were Religious Affairs Minister Suryadharman Ali, Youth and Sports Minister Roy Suryo, and Coordinating Minister for Political, Security, and Legal Affairs Minister Djoko Suyanto.

Among the Nahdlatul Ulama figures present at the event were KH A. Waris Illyas from the An Nuqayah boarding school in Sumenep, Madura, KH Ubaidillah Faqih from the Langitan boarding school in Tuban, KH Anwar Manshur from Lirboyo, in Kediri, and KH Maimun Zubair from Sarang boarding school in Rembang, Central Java, KH Nurul Huda Djazuli from Ploso, Kediri, East Java, KH Dimyati Romly from Darul Ulum, in Jombang, KH Imam Haromain from Denanyar, Jombang, and KH Hasib Wahab from Tambakberas, also in Jombang.

Nahdlatul Ulama, popularly known as NU, is one of the countrys largest Islamic organizations. Gus Dur was also the former chief of the organization.

Thousands of people attended the service, as most of the people in East Java are NU followers.

East Java Police Chief Inspector General Unggung Cahyono stated that he had deployed 400 police personnel in order to secure the event.

With reference to the demonstration that took place in the afternoon, he pointed out that not more than 50 students were involved in it and they mostly did not belong to the universities in Jombang.

East Java Military Commander Major General Ediwan Prabowo expressed regret over the television reports that gave the impression of a large-scale demonstration held to protest the presence of the President Yudhoyono at the event.

"A scroll appeared on one of TV stations at 10 a.m. which read "students reject SBYs presence." In the afternoon, another scroll and image showing huge clashes were flashed on television, which gave the false impression that a huge event has occurred," he noted.

He clarified that only a few student activists were involved, which does not essentially mirror the true opinion of the people of Jombang.

He added that the people in Jombang were pleased to receive the President.

He stated that President Yudhoyono participated in the anniversary event after accepting the invitation from Gus Durs family.

Editing by Sudarto Murtaufiq