'Gus Dur became president not due to political ambitions'

Jakarta, NU Online
Vice Chairman of the Inter-Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB) of Central Kalimantan, Oka Swastika was of the opinion that the decision of KH Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) to accept the demand of Central axis to be president was not because of his political ambitions.

"When did Gus Dur have such ambitions? He does know himself and his feeling is strong, his inner eye is also strong," Oka said on the sidelines of the National Workshop on Mainstreaming Religious Moderation as the Implementation of UN Human Rights Council Resolution 16/18 in Jakarta over the weekend.

However, the Gus Dur's ability to become president was not due to a haphazard decision. "He became president because of his experiences. His spirituality is strong including his experiences in exploring Europe and the Middle East. That is the journey of Gus Dur," he said.

Regarding the willingness to withdraw from office, which on that day Gus Dur came out of the palace in makeshift clothing, Oka continued, it was because of Gus Dur's innocence and simplicity.

"Everyone knows Gus Dur's daily routine is simple, and he has to come out (of the palace) like that," he said.

Oka asserted as a religious nation, the Indonesian people should think positively about Gus Dur and all his actions that most people consider controversial ones.

"Do not all use a politicized logic. Occasionally we need to use a conscience," said the man who claimed to have twice shaken hands with Gus Dur during his arrival to Bali. (Kendi Setiawan/Masdar)