Muslimat NU praised for guarding unity-in-diversity principle

Bandar Lampung, NU Online
Vice President Boediono has praised the Muslimat NU (Nahdlatul Ulama`s women`s wing) as a national asset and guardian of the country`s unity-in-diversity principle.

"Muslimat NU has always respected tolerance in all its activities to promote the welfare of the public and women based on Islamic teachings and values," he said when opening the 16th Congress of Muslimat NU in Bandar Lampung, Lampung province, on Thursday (14/7).

Nahdlatul Ulama is one of Indonesia`s largest Islamic organizations.

Boediono, flanked by Mrs Herawati Boediono and several cabinet ministers, said the nation was proud to have an organization like Muslimat NU.

"Even now I will again state that the nation is proud to have Muslimat NU. Its commitment to nationalism and humanitarianism is extraordinary," he said.

He said in carrying out its programs to improve the people`s welfare Muslimat NU always sticks to respect for inter-religious tolerance and is always balanced and just in contributing to a peaceful life in a plural society.

"Muslimat NU is indeed a national asset that guards the Bhineka Tunggal Ika (unity in diversity) principle," he was quoted by Antara news agency as saying.

Boediono hoped with the congress Muslimat NU could strengthen its commitment to cooperating with the government to improve the welfare of families and women in the country.

The general chairman of NU, Said Aqil Siraj, meanwhile said on the occasion that for NU the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) was final.

"As the biggest Islamic organization committed to fighting for Islam we also cultivate moderation, tolerance, aversion to violence and coercion," he said.

Said Aqil said "while being religious we will keep our commitment to nationalism, Pancasila (state ideology), Bhineka Tunggal Ika, and UUD`45 (the 1945 constitution)."

"This is not lip service. It is a principle, a vision that has been established since 1936 or nine years before the country gained independence," he said.

He said "we have always vowed to fight for Islam, the NKRI, Pancasila, UUD 1945 and Bhinneka Tungal Ika." (dar)