NU Clerics across E. Java determined to support JK-Wiranto

Surabaya, NU Online
Some 1.500 clerics across East Java has been determined to support presidential-vice presidential candidate pair JK-Wiranto in the upcoming presidential election.

In supporting the pair, the clerics would express their firm determination by holding a special meeting at Tebuireng Islamic boarding school (pesantren) in coming days after the pair made devotional visits to the grave of NU founding fathers.

"The firm determination will directly be delivered to JK-Wiranto at a meeting at Tebuireng Islamic boarding school on 1 July after the pair made devotional visits to the grave of NU founding fathers in Jombang," the spokesman of clerics across East Java KH Anwar Iskandar 9Gus War) said here over the Weekend.

The clerics supporting JK-Wiranto pair are among others KH Muchit Muzadi (Jember), KH Sofyan Miftah (Situbondo), KH R Cholil As'ad (Situbondo), KH Fawaid As'ad (Situbondo), KH Mas Ahmad Subadar (Pasuruan), K.H. Chotib Umar (Jember), K.H. Hisyam Syafaat (Banyuwangi), dan K.H. Mutawakkil Alallah (Probolinggo), KH Miftachul Akhyar (Surabaya), KH Abdullah Faqih (Langitan, Tuban), KH Zainudin Djazuli (Ploso, Kediri), KH Anwar Mansyur (Lirboyo, Kediri), KH Nurul Huda Djazuli (Ploso, Kediri), KH Sholeh Qosim (Sepanjang, Sidoarjo), KH Agus Ali Masyhuri (Tulangan, Sidoarjo), KH Masduqi Mahfudz (Malang), and KH Hadi Mahfudz (Tulungagung).

Asked about the reason of the clerics, Gus War argued that JK was the son of a NU founding father and is now board member of NU in South Sulawesi and his mother was a Muhammadiyah activist in the province.

"The clerics' reason is simple, if there has clearly been NU (presidential candidate) why should be speculative. So we chose based not on winning or losing but we chose based on reasons that should be accountable before God," he said.

In addition, Gus War said, the clerics also considered that the JK-Wiranto pair has been committed to pay more attention to the fate of the poor.

"Besides, we see the JK-Wiranto pair has the same commitment as NU struggle, namely defending the souvereignty of the Unitary State of Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution, they have nine reasons but the first three are the main ones," Gus War added.

In terms of efforts to win the JK-Wiranto pair, Gus War said, the clerics would maximize the potential votes of pesantren alumni and those involving themselves in their religious gatherings (majlis taklim).

"We just have cultural networks and we wll make best use of the networks. Pak JK himself has promised to accept the firm determination of clerics throughout East Java," he said.

In regard with the possibility of clerics whose different views in the much-awaited presidential election, Gus War said that it was not problem. "What is clear is that majority of clerics in East Java will support the JK-Wiranto pair," he said. (dar)