KAHMI backs Cak Nur's bid

JAKARTA: The Association of Islamic Students Alumni (KAHMI) three its support behind Muslim scholar Nurcholish Madjid on Monday to join the presidential race within Golkar.

KAHMI member Abdul Asri Harahap said Nurcholish, better known as Cak Nur, must continue his bid as Golkar was the only big party that is open to his nomination.

According to Abdul Asri Harahap, Cak Nur would be among the three strongest candidates in the convention together party chairman Akbar Tandjung and Jusuf Kalla.

Golkar opened nomination for presidential candidates on July 11 and has until July 30 to accept necessary supporting documents.

Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas, Cak Nur's close aide, said earlier that the Muslim scholar would try to win support from Golkar's provincial branches and mass organizations. --JP