Gus Dur: Pesantren circles have big contribution to the nation

Jakarta, NU Online
A religious society should not damage the trust of the state for not being appreciated by the government. Though the involvement of pesantren circles have not largely been written in history books in accordance with the government version, they have, admitted or not, had big contribution to all processes of establishing the republic of Indonesia.

The fourth former Indonesian president KH Abdurrahman Wahid made the remarks as warmly welcoming his visitors at the Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital over the weekend.<>

According to Gus Dur, pesantren circles should not consider themselves as merely objects. Rather they have so far the subjects of actors of the state.

"Santri (those studying in pesantren/Islamic boarding schools) circles have been the main component in the process of establishing the republic," Gus Dur said, adding that it was incorrect if there were other parties marginalizing the santri.

The former general chairman of the Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) reiterated that Indonesia could be established because of the contribution and the important roles played by  pesantren circles.

Gus Dur who is also the leader of Pesantren Ciganjur was of view that the contribution of those who were born from pesantren circles greater that those from other groups.

"Fortunately, santri community has always been able to be 'the loser' from other groups for the unity of the republic ideals. And this is the greatest sacrifice given by santri circles for their nation," Gus Dur told NU Online. (min)