NU-Libyan embassy to cooperate in countering Wahabism

Jakarta, NU Online
The Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) and the Indonesia's Libyan embassy will constantly cooperate in countering Wahabism for being accused of propagating radical religious teachings.

Libyan ambassador to Indonesia Salaheddin Muhammed Ibrahim al-Bisari made the remarks as meeting with the newly elected general chairman of PBNU KH Said Aqil Siradj at the PBNU headquarters in Jakarta on Tuesday.<<>br />
Spokesperson of the International Conference of Islamic Scholars (ICIS) Ahmad Ridho said that the two figures were committed to deepening their partnership in dealing with any possible threat posed by extremists.

Ridlo added there were at least two things focused by the two figures in countering Wahabism, namely education and Islamic preaching.

"Through such things as education and preaching, we will purposefully develop moderate, tolerant and good Islamic teachings and mutual understanding," Ridho said.

He further explained that such cooperation could be conducted by sending Libyan ulema (Islamic scholars) to Indonesia.

While, Said Aqil said that there had been some 12 Wahabi organizations financing activities of hardliners in the country.

The Salaheddin's visit to the PBNU headquarters was also to congratulate KH Said Aqil Siradj as new general chairman of the Indonesia's largest Muslim organization.

In his meeting with Said Aqil, Salaheddin asked," what was the most important recommendation in the recent NU congress in Makassar?". Said Aqil said that there were important issues discussed by six commissions in  the congress including recommendations.

In the meantime, Salaheddin expected NU to facilitate a possible economic cooperation between Indonesia and Libya especially in the field of oil. Said Aqil promised Salaheddin to communicate with the Indonesian government related to the economic cooperation. (nam)