NU plays politics of nationhood, NU senior figure says

Lamongan, NU Online
Since the beginning, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) has involved itself in politics even before the birth of what called as the Unitary State of Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). While the politics played by NU is that related to the nationshood, namely defending the nation's unity.

Supreme council of the Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU)KH Mustofa Bisri (Gus Mus) made the remarks here over the weekend, saying the history of the politics of nationhood had unfortunately plunged NU into the power politics till now.

/> Gus Mus expressed his deep concern over the fact that Nahdliyin (NU followers) had carelessly involved themselves in practical politics solely to achieve power.

At this point, the leader of Roudhotut Tholibin called on Nahdliyin to have such capability and broad insights before involving themselves and taking into account of the importance of having elegant and favorable ways in dealing with practical politics.

"Ironically there have been many NU cadres knowing nothing about the politics of nationhood so that theough they have enthusiastically involved in practical politics, they have not been ready to come to power," he said.

In terms of the lack of understanding among Nahdliyin in practical politics, Gus Mus gave a simple example that some could easily establish a new political party without considering other important elements.

Gus Mus said that NU cadre who is ready to come to power was KH Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur). "Unfortunately when he was in power, Gus Dur met difficulty in looking for NU cadres whose readiness to accompany him as he served as president." (min)