VP calls on NU students to prevent fundamentalism and liberalism

Jakarta, NU Online
Vice President Jusuf Kalla (JK) called on NU students to help prevent the spread of fundamentailsm and liberalism, saying the two could result in such movements capable of threatening the Unitary State of Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).

JK made the remarks as opening the Pre-Congress Meeting of the Nahdlatul Ulama Student Association (IPNU) and the Nahdlatul Ulama Female Student Association (IPPNU) at the Vice Presidential Palace here Thursday (27/5).<>

According to JK, fundamentalism and liberalism had 'attacked' not only religious, but also political and economic sectors. If they were not immediately tackled, they would be able to pose threat to the national political stability.

"IPNU and IPPNU as NU autonomous bodies should be capable of representing moderate Islam. IPNU and IPPNU should be on the front line in preventing both fundamentalism and liberalism," said the vice president before the pre-congress meeting participants across Indonesia.

The threat posed by fundamentalism and liberalism to the NKRI could be seen from some horizontal conflicts in regionsm such as Poso, Ambon and Aceh. One of the factors triggering the conflicts was the presence of fundamentalism and liberalism.

JK explained that the conflicts had nothing to do with religion in nature. Instead the conflicts were driven by certain parties as if religion was the main factor causing the conflicts.

"There were some trying to make the conflicts as religious ones," he said.

Meanwhile, researcher at the NU Lajnah Ta'lif wan Nasr (center for research and development), Ahmad Baso expressed the same concern. Baso said there had been many groups and movements 'attacking' NU. They had most of the time accused NU as organization which encourages bid'ah/heresy (for introducing new religious practices).

"They forbid the rituals having become the tradition of NU such as tahlil, commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and so on. It of course  sparks anger among Nahdliyin (NU followers). Whereas, the tradition is preserved as part of strengthening community," Baso who is also the National Human Rights Commission member said. (rif)