NU opens overseas office

JAKARTA: Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the largest Muslim organization in Indonesia, has opened an office in Australia, pledging to help promote moderate Islamic teachings.

Located in Canberra, the new office will reach out to Muslims in neighboring New Zealand as well.

NU chairman Hasyim Muzadi said while inaugurating the office in Canberra on Friday that the special NU office was expected to enhance relations between people in the two countries. He added that NU had played a major role in upholding tolerance and harmony among communities of various religions.

In a bid to promote moderate Islam in Australia, NU will closely cooperate with the Australian government and local institutions to organize social activities, including discussions, seminars and regular meetings with the Muslim community there, NU said in its press release. -- JP