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NU ulema to discuss nationhood

NU Online  ·  Rabu, 10 Juni 2009 | 07:24 WIB

Surakarta, NU Online
Ulema from Nahdlatul Ulama, Indonesia's largest Muslim organization, will discuss the nationhood in response to the fast flow of information on extreme ideologies especially those with regard to religion.

The discussion will be held today (10/6) at a meeting of noted ulema from Java at Al Manshur Islamic boarding school in Klaten, Central Java on Wednesday.<>

The discussion is needed because many ulema have been pulled into a tug of war between ideology and politics, thereby causing the public to be divided and threatening the unity of Indonesia.

"That's why the ulema will gather here to discuss the importance of maintaining the link between Indonesia's Pancasila as its state ideology," H.M. Zaenal Arifin, one of the ulema, said Tuesday evening.

The ulema consider many basic problems have missed their attention as many of them are involved in political and economic practices.

"The duty of the ulema is actually to safeguard Islamic teachings for the benefits of the followers. This is to help maintain the unity of Indonesia." (jp/dar)