President praises NU’s roles in building peace, tolerance

Lombok, NU Online
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has said that the government appreciates the role of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) as Indonesia’s biggest Islamic organization in promoting harmony among the country’s diverse religious and cultural groups.

According to the President, the NU has contributed significantly in boosting Indonesia’s global image as a country that is peaceful and tolerant, even though it comprises numerous tribes, ethnicities, languages and religions.

“Every time I am among Nahdliyin [NU followers], especially the alim ulama [clerics], I feel a cool and calm atmosphere. Similarly, whenever I enter an NU pesantren [Islamic boarding school], I feel a calmness,” Jokowi said on Thursday.

“I’m not the only one to feel that way; representatives of other countries who are with us now have felt the same thing.”

Jokowi made the statement while opening an NU national meeting and major conference at the Islamic Center complex in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), on Thursday evening.

He added that during the recent visit of President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, he told the Afghan leader that Indonesia was home to some 17,000 islands, more than 1,100 local languages and various religions — and the archipelago was still able to remain united.

Jokowi said during their meeting, President Ghani expressed his hope that Indonesia could become a mediator to help settle conflicts in Afghanistan.

Indonesia is seen as a neutral country and this cannot be separated from NU’s roles, Jokowi said. (JP/Masdar)