Jepara, NU Online
The organization (jamiyyah) of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) is a tremendous asset of the nation that is consederably the largest in Indonesia, even the world. Therefore the jamiyyah must be maintained.<>

KH Ahmad Kamil, chairman of lawmaking body (rais syuriyah) of the Jepara's Branch Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PCNU) made the remarks at a religious gathering in Kedungleper village Bangsri sub-district, Jepara on Sunday (07/06).

Kamil said the government must maintain and defend the existence of the Nahdliyin-based organization, adding that it would be harmful if NU revolted it. For example, if the Nahdliyin (NU members) do not pay taxes the state could go into bankruptcy. But NU members, he added, "are the law-abiding tax payers".

"Do not let the NU followers revolt for being ignored by the government," he said.

As a major asset of the Unitary State of Republic of Indonesia (NKRI),  NU has all of the time maintained the NKRI. In the October 1945 for example, KH Hasyim Ashari issued the so-called Jihad Resolution, stating that independence and the legitimate government must be maintained and upheld by the Nahdliyin.

On account of his contribution to the nation, in 1964 Mbah Hasyim was awarded by President Sukarno as a national hero. And in October last year President Jokowi also handed the title of national hero to other NU figures, such as KH Wahab Hasbullah.

Meanwhile, chairman of PCNU Jepara, KH Asyhari Syamsuri, called on all Nahdliyin in the region to continue the struggle of KH Ahmad Fauzan, saying that before the Indonesia's independence Kiai Fauzan had initiated the establishment of NU culturally. After the Indonesia's independence, Kiai Fauzan was the key actor initiating the establishment of NU in Jepara. (masdar)