Semarang, NU Online
Rector of the Semarang's University of Wahid Hasyim (Unwahas) Dr. Noor Ahmad greatly appreciated the story in the "Sang Kiai" film for being fully lttered with the mesages of struggle in addition to showing heroism in the name of nationality.<>

"This film (Sang Kiai, ed.) shows one of the pillars marking the establishment of the Indonesian nation due to roles played by a Muslim scholar," he said after the screening of "Sang Kiai" in Cinema Citra 21 Semarang on Thursday.

The screening of "Sang Kiai" was initiated by the Nahdlatul Ulama Institute for Agricultural Development (LPPNU) of Central Java in collaboration with the Journalist Discussion Group (KDW) in addition to commemorating the 13th Anniversary of Unwahas, Semarang.

According to Noor, the value of spirit and struggle of KH. Hasyim Asy `ari, the founder of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) being a central figure in the film must be a good example from all Indonesian people.

As illustrated in one scene when the President Sukarno's envoy was ordered to meet KH Hasyim Asy `ari for asking fatwa (verdict) in regard with those who struggle to defend the nation and the state, not religion, the founder of Pesantren Tebu Ireng, Jombang, East Java, then brought together Muslm scholars to discuss and eventually issue a fatwa that the jihad for the sake of defending the homeland is obligatory.

Editing by Sudarto Murtaufiq