Jakarta, NU Online
Chairman of NU lawmaking body KH Ma’ruf Amin said Thursday (10/8) in Jakarta that the mushrooming religiosity in the body of state was regarded as part of spirit of nationalism within the frame of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

Kiai Ma’ruf suggested that Indonesia’s nationalism could take such forms of increasing spirit of regional nationalism and existing nation's diversity.

<>“I think the feeling of regionalism of the people related to the beginning of regional autonomy movements competing to develop their own region. It doesn’t mean that it's the declining spirit of nationalism,” Kiai Ma’ruf said.

Respecting the emerging sectarian claim, he added, that many have recently understood it negatively. “Whereas the grouping based on a certain ideology is part of nation’s diversity.”    

He also said that as a religion of peace, Islam should be understood and then implemented correctly in accordance with its principles and values. “It does not mean that Islam must be a state’s ideology.” (nam)