Doing research on Southeast Asia, U.S. students visit NU

Jakarta, NU Online
Eight students of the American University, United States, have carried out research activities in terms of the impact of globalization in the Southeast Asian countries. The different majors-taking students will focus on the impacts caused by globalization such as culture, economy, security and religion.<>

After doing research activities for two months in Malaysia. They will did the same activities in Indonesia by doing research activities in Ashidiqiyah Islamic boarding school and the Central Board of NU (Jakarta). They came to the NU headquarters on Thursday afternoon (11/7).

At the NU headquarters, the eight students led by Professor Peek Heng were warmly received by the Secretary General of NU H Marsudi Syuhud.

During the meeting, they asked about NU, the relationship between religion and state, tolerance, and how the Indonesian people could live peace in diversity.

Marsudi explained that NU had long stood before Indonesia's independence. This organization was established by outstanding religious leaders based in pesantren. In its development, the country's largest Muslim organization has form autonomous bodies, committees (lanjah), and institutions.

Marsudi also explained that in Indonesia there had been what so-called Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity) as a motto to live together in harmony.

At the end of the visit the two parties called for the importance of holding purposeful student exchange program. Marshudi then introduced the eight students to the Executive Board of the NU male and female students association (IPNU-IPPNU).

Reporting by Abdullah Alawi; Editing by Sudarto Murtaufiq