Ansor told to stay independent

Jakarta, NU Online
In dealing with the organizational life along with its more complex issues, Ansor Youth Movement (GP Andor) should stay committed to the NU Khittah (principle), namely relying on neutrality. All this must be taken into account because of the fact that there have still been either internal or external problems facing the NU youth wing.

Chairman of GP Ansor of Cirebon Nuuruzzaman made the remarks on the sidelines of a commemoration to celebrate the Ansor's 75th anniversary at the Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park (TMII) over the weekend.<>

"Do not think deeply about political issues by supporting for certain presidential/vice presidential hopefuls for instance as long as there have been many internal problems that should be addressed," he said.

As for Nuuruzzaman, there had been many weaknesses in the organization that should immediately be handled like providing required facilities, adding those board members who are in the national and provincial levels had so far paid no more attention to the existence of Ansor in regency levels.

"Instead of reaching (Ansor in) villages, they (board members) have still involved in political issues," Nuuruzzaman, who is also lecturer at the Cirebon's Swaguna Liggarjati University, said.

He said that Ansor should, again and again, focus its services on economic development, adding Ansor followers had economically been marginalized in addition to increasing the role of Ansor followers in their own region.

"It is such obligation for Ansor to help the nation's program developments, monitor and advocate to the regional developments," Nuuruzzaman said.

In addition, the leader of Pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) Ciwaringin said, Ansor should stay committed to serve pesantren  and clerics (kiai), adding that Ansor should also be determined to defend and preserve the teaching of Ahlussunnah wal Jamaah. (was)