NU considers direct involvement in politics
Tiarma Siboro, Jakarta
The country's largest Muslim organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), is considering a move to allow its executives to get involved in practical politics without having to resign.
NU announced the plan on Friday in response to mounting demands from influential cleric Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid, who has been pushing for an extraordinary congress to replace NU chairman Hasyim Muzadi following his nomination as the vice presidential running mate of Megawati Soekarnoputri.
NU deputy chairman Achmad Bagdja said on Friday leaders of the Muslim organization would convene for a four-day meeting to discuss the proposal.
"The meeting will not be held to respond to Gus Dur's request," Achmad said, referring to Gus Dur's demand for Hasyim's replacement.
The executive meeting is scheduled to take place from Nov. 28 to Dec. 3 at the Donohudan Islamic boarding school in Surakarta, Central Java.
"Ahead to the meeting, we will hold a series of dialogs involving NU's local representatives and all its affiliated groups to propose amendments to our statutes to allow NU executives to participate in practical politics without having to be suspended from their posts," Achmad said during a press conference at the NU headquarters in Kramat Raya, Central Jakarta
Hasyim has been declared nonactive for his vice presidential bid, while NU deputy chairman Solahuddin Wahid resigned for the same reason.
Also present at the press conference were NU deputy chairmen Andi Jamaro and Rozi Munir, and NU deputy secretary-general Masduki Baidlawi.
"Learning from the recent case when Pak Hasyim was asked to temporarily step down from his post due to his involvement in the presidential race, we decided to formulate a regulation that will enable the NU chairman to join in the race without facing suspension from the organization.
"NU's law-making body, the Syuriah, eventually ordered the suspension of Pak Hasyim and other NU executives who joined the campaign teams of presidential and vice presidential candidates, but the Syuriah's instruction was not strong enough compared to a decision resulting from a national meeting," Achmad said.
Critics have accused the NU of violating the organization's principles by allowing its executives to get involved in politics.
During its 1984 congress in the East Java town of Situbondo, the NU pledged to quit politics altogether and focus on its social and religious programs.
"Many NU supporters are still allowed to practice politics, either in presidential races or direct gubernatorial or regency elections. Therefore a new regulation is badly needed so the public will not accuse them of making use of the NU institution for their own benefit," Achmad said.