Gus Dur and Amien Rais must meet

Gus Dur and Amien Rais must meet

From Republika

It's time now for Kyai Hasyim Muzadi, chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Prof. Syafii Maarif (Muhammadiyah's chairman) to invite President Abdurraman Wahid (or Gus Dur) and Amien Rais for a get-together. This would be an important step for the state's and the nation's unity and stability.

Never try to separate Gus Dur from NU and Amien Rais from Muhammadiyah, because the endeavor to make Gus Dur President was a genuine one to avoid this nation being destroyed by a tug-of- war between those in favor of B.J. Habibie and those in favor of Megawati; it was also the Muslim people's desire to unite the two Muslim forces represented by Gus Dur (NU) and Amien Rais (Muhammadiyah) so as to resolve the nation's problems according to the agenda and direction of the reform movement.

We all hope that the NU and Muhammadiyah leaders can advise Gus Dur and Amien Rais respectively. Unity between Gus Dur and Amien Rais is badly needed by our nation now. These two figures both have their own strong points and weaknesses which, if combined, would constitute an extraordinary force.

As President, Gus Dur, who is supported by several parties, had better not walk "alone". He must be willing to seek out the opinions of Amien Rais, Megawati and Akbar Tanjung. Don't let his prerogative rights be used as a tool for making his own policies. In addition, Gus Dur needs to have a secretary closely connected with the Muslim community. People like Ahmad Bagdja or Muhyidin Aribusman are figures who might be suitable. How ideal it would if Gus Dur were to appoint a spokesman or secretary from among younger Muslim circles.

M. NATSIR ZUBAIDI

Vice Secretary-General

Board of the Indonesian Mosques' Council