NU receives visit from EU ambassador

Jakarta, NU Online
The Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) received a visit from the European Union (EU) embassy at the NU headquarters in Jakarta on Wednesday (22/5). Both sides engaged in a dialogue on a number of religious issues and initiated a possible partnership.<>

The EU Ambassador Julian Wilson with Director of European External Action Service (EEAS) for South and Southeast Asia and three others were warmly received by General Chairman of NU KH Said Aqil Siroj (Kang Said).

Present also at the occasion were the Secretary-General of NU H Marsudi Syuhud, Treasurer of NU H Bina Suhendra, Secretary of the Nahdlatul Ulama Agricultural Development Institute (LPPNU) Imam Pituduh.

On that occasion, Kang Said explained the principles of Islam having so far been propagated by the largest Islamic organization, saying that "NU holds and champions moderate and torelant Islamic views in addition to upholding humanity."

"Islam is also impossible to run without living in harmony with the culture," he continued while explaining the advent of hardline Islamic groups in Indonesia massively since the 1980s.

At the same time, Marsudi proposed possible cooperation related to education like student exchange and the establishment of learning centers aimed at propagating Islam as blessing for the universe (rahmatan lil alamin).

"It is very useful if Muslim students in the European Union could study Islam in Indonesia for, in fact, being capable of introducing friendly Islamic characters," he said.

Meanwhile, Julian expressed gratitude for being able to visit the NU headquarters and knowing more about the organization. 

In regard with a number of plans proposed by NU, Julian hoped the purposeful plans could immediately be followed up.

Reporting by Mahbib Khoiron, Editing by Sudarto Murtaufiq