JK obtains blessings of NU leaders

Jakarta, NU Online
Presidential candidate Jusuf Kalla (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 following his meeting with leaders of the Indonesia's biggest Muslim organization at the Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) heaquarters in Jakarta on Wednesday.<>

During his meeting with the NU leaders, JK was accompanied by chairman of the Golkar party faction at the House of Representatives Priyo Budisantoso and his brother-in-law Aksa Mahmud.

JK said that his meeting with the NU figures was aimed at cultivating relationship with NU in addition to asking for the blessings of the NU figures.

"Alhamdulillah (thank God), as an NU member and presidential candidate, I have been able to meet with NU leaders to ask for their blessings," he said.

During the meeting, JK told the NU leaders about recent political developments in the country and what he would do in the future.

"We wish to ensure the preservation of strong national unity and cohesion and the enhancement of economic self-reliance by developing the people`s economy." he said.

JK said only through economic self-reliance would the Indonesian nation be able to win a respectable position in the world.

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.

Before meeting Kalla, Hasyim had also held a meeting with chairman of the United Development Party (PPP), Suryadharma Ali. (dar)