NU practical politics brings more damage than benefits

Jakarta, NU Online
Secretary General of the lawmaking body (Katib Aam) of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) KH Malik Madani said that NU had rich experiences in politics. The Islamic organization established by ulema (Islamic scholars) has so far implemented a high-level politics (siyasah aliyah), especially in the face of colonial regimes or in maintaining the early days of Indonesian independence.<>

In 1955, NU turned into a party due to the situation and the dynamics of politics at that time; and then fused with the United Development Party (PPP) in 1977.

Kiai Malik explained, the NU practical political steps were eventually ended following a declaration of the importance of retuning to the so-called Khittah 1926 by both solidifying itself as a socio-religious organization.

However, he added, "in 1988 NU was tempted again to practical politics," saying although it had again became a socio-religious organization, NU formed a political party called the National Awakening Party in the time.

"And it turns out after experimenting for a long time, NU is, again and again, not suitable in taking an interest in the practical politics for bringing more damage than benefits," Malik Madani said in a discussion taking up issues on the so-called Fiqh Siyasah here on Saturday (11/7).

For him, NU should ideally have applied high-level politics (siyasah aliyah or siyasah samiyah) as mandated by the late Rais Aam (the Supreme Leader) of NU KH MA Sahal Mahfud, namely, nationhood and populist politics that are not trapped into a particular political group.

"The NU task now is to criticize the government policies that only benefit the rulers and businessmen. That is the NU task," he said.

Malik also criticized the ongoing political system in the country. He considered the regional head elections should not be held directly. The NU 2012 National Conference also considered that the impact of the elections would bring huge losses for the people.

"Political education that brings more benefits for the regional head elections could not be materialized," he said, adding even people had sold their conscience," he said.

The discussion was held by  the Institute for Human Resources Study and Development of Nahdlatul Ulama (Lakpesdam NU). Present at the occasion were researcher of the Institute for Ecosos Right Sri Palupi, Hilmi Aly, Deputy Secretary General of NU, Adnan Anwar.

Editing by Sudarto Murtaufiq