It is a good time for JK to woo NU followers, researcher says

Jakarta, NU Online
Muhammad Jusuf Kalla (JK), the presidential candidate in the upcoming presidential election, has attempted to woo NU followers (Nahdliyin). His similar cultural and religious background with the Nahdliyin should ideally be capable of attracting more NU voters in the much-awaited election.

Political researcher of the Surabaya's Airlangga University Prof Dr Kacung Maridjan said that what having so far been conducted by JK was appropriate to further intensify his approach to NU followers across the country.<>

"The (NU) clerics are mostly closer to JK. They hope the political aspiration of the NU followers are in line with theirs," Kacung who is also chairman of the Institute for Human Resource Study and Development of Nahdlatul Ulama (Lakpesdam NU) said here Saturday (6/6).

Formerly, JK who is also chairman of the Golkar Party said that he had obtained the blessings of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) leaders in his battle for the State Palace.

"I have got their blessings," JK said after meeting with leaders of the Indonesia's biggest Muslim organization at the Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) headquarters in Jakarta recently.

Meanwhile general chairman of PBNU KH Hasyim Muzadi expressed his satisfaction with the readiness of JK as NU member to take part in the much-awaited presidential election.

"Alhamdulillah (thank God), there is a member of NU willing to run for president. Previously, he only ran for vice president and now for president. Let us hope he will be success and may God bless him," Hasyim said.

In addition to being nominated as presidential candidate by Golkar and the People’s Conscience Party (Hanura), JK is also NU follower. He was born and grew up in a NU family and even he has now still been mandated as Supreme Council of the NU Regional Board of South Sulawesi. (dar)