NU to criticize Gus Dur if he steps out of line

SEMARANG (JP): Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) vowed to be critical if need be toward President Abdurrahman Wahid's government, chief of NU's Central Java chapter Achmad said on Tuesday.

Speaking in the lead-up to the NU congress later this month, Achmad said the country's largest Muslim organization would not hesitate to criticize or warn Abdurrahman, popularly known as Gus Dur, for faulty policies.

"NU must play a role appropriate to national interests. Our relationship with Gus Dur will continue in a proper way," Achmad said.

"If Gus Dur does something wrong we will warn him, but if he does everything right we'll stand behind him," Achmad added.

Abdurrahman chairs the 35-million-strong NU and is founder of National Awakening Party (PKB). Nominated by an alliance of Muslim-based parties called "the axis force", Abdurrahman was elected president at the expense of Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle's chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri, who was eventually elected the vice president.

Abdurrahman has brought some NU and PKB members into his Cabinet, including Foreign Minister Alwi Shihab, Minister of Religious Affairs Tolchah Hasan and State Minister of Women's Affairs Khofifah Indar Parawansa.

Achmad called on NU members to keep a low profile despite Abdurrahman's successful presidential bid.

"Gus Dur is an NU figure who is on loan to carry out national duty. He's owned by the whole nation, so it's unnecessary for NU members to celebrate the ecstasy of victory while others are in agony," Achmad said.

He said the traditionalist Muslim organization should take a role as the nation's solidarity maker.

Abdurrahman is scheduled to open the NU congress in his capacity as President. Achmad said the People's Consultative Assembly chairman Amien Rais had been invited to the congress' opening ceremony.

The congress will take place at Lirboyo Islamic boarding school in Kediri, East Java, from Nov. 21 to Nov. 27. During the event, NU leaders will elect a chairman who will replace Abdurrahman, who has been at the helm since 1984.

Mustofa Bisri, Hasyim Muzadi, Said Aqil Siradj and Fadjrul Falaakh have been touted as the strongest contenders for the NU's top post for the next five-year term.

Achmad also praised the close relationship between Abdurrahman and Amien Rais, who is a former chairman of the modernist- oriented Muslim organization Muhammadiyah.

The two Muslim organizations have been at odds in the past due to conflicting views on religious practices.

Achmad said the friendship between Abdurrahman and Amien had boosted unity between Muslims in the country, and this in the long run should enhance national unity.

The earlier conflicts between NU and Muhammadiyah were not substantial, rather they concerned more strategic and tactical matters according to Achmad. (har/edt)