At Halal Bi Halal, Said Alludes to Harmony Between PDIP East Java and NU Up to Wasathiyah Islam

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SURABAYA— Chairman of the PDIP East Java Regional Leadership Council, Said Abdullah, delivered a message on social worship during the PDIP East Java Halal Bi Halal on Sunday (12/4/2026).

First, regarding our identity in East Java, who we are, what our common problems are, and how the spirit of struggle moving forward should be. Second, about the face of the world increasingly filled with falsehoods, whereas Shawwal conveys messages of sincerity and honesty, and how we should respond.

He explained that East Java’s base is Ijo-Abang (green-red), santri and abangan, with santri reflecting the strength of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), and abang signifying national strength, PDIP. “Both become the political roots down to the villages in East Java,” he stated.

However, the social divisions described by Clifford Geertz since the 1950s are now increasingly merging. In various national surveys, voters identifying as NU channel their votes predominantly to PDIP.

“Therefore, PDIP, especially in East Java, will not abandon NU,” he said.

He noted that santri and abangan differ only by a hair’s breadth, one diligent in prayer, the other less so.

But their fates are the same, both poor, both mostly backward in education, both struggling to find decent jobs, in short, both share a sad story. “Many similarities, few differences,” he said.

Said stated that the social duty of NU officials is to empower NU members, while the political duty of PDIP is to fight for policies in local government, regional parliaments, and the centre to prosper NU members and the entire East Java population.

According to him, NU and PDIP share the same ideological aspirations. The values of NU-an, namely the strength of Islam that always upholds Wasathiyah Islam.

That is, moderate Islam, which emphasises the principle of the middle path, just, balanced (tawazun), and tolerant (tasamuh) in all dimensions of life, rejecting extremism both left and right.

He said that this Wasathiyah Islam serves as the guide for PDIP’s political steps. His side rejects presenting Islam in a frightening manner, especially towards minority groups, whereas they are fellow compatriots. “Our Islam must shelter, provide mercy, and peace,” he remarked.