NU stance

NU stance

From Pikiran Rakyat

Basically, the community gladly welcomes the statement of stance made by the central governing board of NU, the largest mass organization in Indonesia. The statement says that reforms mean improvement of social life and betterment of things no longer compatible with the present circumstances. The old die and the young grow -- that is a natural law with which we must comply.

Rejecting reforms is tantamount to denying the law of nature. Everything in nature is in a state of process and there is nothing eternal in this universe except God the Almighty.

With reference to this natural law, it would be better for this nation if its leadership could be passed on to the younger generation at an earlier time, to conform to the globalization era of information and communications.

Therefore, we find to our agreement the essence of the Javanese shadow puppet philosophy: Lengser Keprabon Madeg Pandito (step down as a king and adopt the character of the religious leader). Let's hope that the community will stay away from the character of Pejah Gesang and/or the practices of individual cult of a leader.

We all can feel how the whole nation is longing for immediate reforms in economic, political and legal areas, which will be implemented politely, peacefully and in a civilized manner pursuant to the constitution and the prevailing laws.

It is still fresh in our minds what the President said some time ago: "Polite and civilized communication is the best way to settle differences in opinion and perception in order to strengthen brotherhood among this nation characterized by plurality."

However, in the face of the present situation, it seems that our nation is running out of patience. The stomach can wait no longer.

We are well aware that the economic crisis is closely linked with the political, legal and moral crises.

We believe that the statement made by the central governing board of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) also voices the aspiration of other mass organizations, such as Muhammadiyah and Persis.

Therefore, in the context of the call for reforms, which the community very much longs for, it is hoped that the Armed Forces and Golkar should give their support to reform efforts.

It remains to be seen whether the way these two organizations react will be in tune with the aspirations of the people as represented by university students, or the other way around.

H. ZAKIR MADJID

Bandung, West Java