NU statements on the post-2014 presidential elections

Dear fellow countrymen and countrywomen, especially the big family of Nahdliyyin (NU followers) wherever they are, whom we love, Thank God the 2014 presidential elections could gradually be held peacefully.<>

We must be grateful that the national political dynamics has so far remained committed to promoting the national harmony. Building a house of democracy to the country as big as Indonesia is certainly not easy in nature.

For that reason, we feel the need to reiterate what was already called by the Central Board of NU, especially the Supreme Leader (Rais 'Aam) of NU KH Ahmad Mustafa Bisri.

1. Congratulating the newly elected president and vice president Mr. Ir. H. Joko Widodo and Drs. H. Muhammad Jusuf Kalla in accordance with the KPU Decree No. 536 / Kpts / KPU / 2014 on the Determination of elected President and Vice President in the 2014 presidential elections.

2 All parties need to respect the decision of the Commission in accordance with the applicable national law. To continue to maintain the tranquility and peace of the community, all parties need to exercise restraint. All must realize that in a competition like the presidential elections,  winning or losing is common. The winning party does not need to be arrogant, while the losing one still needs to maintain the confidence to engage in building the glory of Indonesia. Pair of President and Vice President-elect is the national leader for all citizens, both those who voted and those who did not vote.

3. Prabowo Subianto-Hatta Rajasa and Joko Widodo-Jusuf Kalla are the national leaders. To the four figures, we have witnessed the mandate of the people is channeled through the general elections. To the four figures, we also look forward to a noteworthy example in the Indonesian history of civilization, the history of which can be remembered and read with pride by the next generation of Indonesia.

4 We all must realize that the presidential elections are one of the means to care for, maintain, and develop the Indonesianess. The presidential elections, whatever the outcome, are absolutely not a tool for breaking the unity and integrity. Democratic political competition should not lead to conflict. Rather, it should lead to benefit. Therefore, as sharp as any possible differences and political struggle all this should not defeat the brotherhood of fellow citizens.

5. Highly appreciating the government, military, and police that have worked hard for the success of the 2014 presidential elections at the end of their reign, so as to ensure the transition of national leadership in peaceful situations. The government and all its institutions must seek a political and legal settlement comprehensively and be fully obedient to the Constitution.

6 Appreciating the General Election Commission (KPU) for successfully carrying out its duties and authority in accordance with the mandate of the Constitution.

7 Especially to the Nahdliyin in maintaining tranquility. We as the Nahdliyin must consciously maintain the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) based on the spirit of the so-called ukhuwwah wathaniyah. The Nahdliyin should continue the duty of history as guardian of the integrity of the nation and the state. And we hope that NU can use the momentum of Idul Fitri to be able to forgive each other.

8. Indonesia is a great country with a great history as well. Therefore, we do not want Indonesia to be dragged into the conflict and disintegration that swept a number of countries in the middle East and Asia.

9 Calling on the political elites, the observers, the mass media, to continue to maintain the serenity and tranquility of the community in accordance with their respective fields.

Thus, may Allah SWT forgive our sins and give His mercy and provide physical and spiritual strength to us all, the whole Indonesian nation.


Jakarta, July 24, 2014





DR. KH. Said Aqil Siroj, MA                  H. Marsudi Syuhud

 

General Chairman                               Secretary-General