Monument built to commemorate KH As'ad Syamsul Arifin

Jember, NU Online
If you are traveling to Banyuwangi from Jember, you will witness the monument of the KHR. As'ad Syamsul Arifin's struggle standing firmly on the Garahan field, Silo subdistrict, Jember, East Java.

The monument located on the left of the provincial road was recently completed by the sympathizers and alumni of the Pesantren Salafiyah Syafiíyah, Asembagus, Situbondo, living in Jember.

The size of the monument is 6 meters height and 4 meters width, in a rectangular shape extending upward, with the typical dominant paint of Nahdlatul Ulama, green.

According to one of the pesantren alumni, H. Misbahus Salam, the construction of the monument is to commemorate the KH As'ad struggle, particularly in his efforts to repel the Japanese soldiers in the village of Garahan.

"The expulsion of the invaders from his headquarters in Garahan has significance for the destruction of Japan as a whole," he told NU Online on the sidelines of visiting the much-awaited monument on Friday (23/12).

He hoped that the monuments could motivate people to emulate the As'ad struggle. As an ulema (Muslim scholar) and a fighter, he said, As'ad had set an example that the struggle to repel invaders was equally obligatory to guide people and do worship. Because one could not humble themselves in his/her prayers when the country was still controlled by the invaders.

"Frankly I am proud of becoming his santri (student). He did struggle not only for Muslims, but also for all of the people," he said.

Pride was also expressed by one of other KH As'ad santri, Fauzi. According to him, KH As'ad was not only a fighter having the courage but also a Muslim scholar having a high tolerance for religious minorities.

"He greatly appreciated diversity in addition to highly appreciating and respecting the opinions of ordinary people," he explained.

The government decision to award the title of national hero to KH As'ad was commemorated in Situbondo, in Jember and Bondowoso and was attended by thousands of Muslims. (Aryudi A. Razaq/Masdar)