President Prabowo Introduces 'Jas Hijau' Term at 35th NU Congress

President Prabowo Subianto has called on all levels of Indonesian society to always remember and appreciate the great contributions of ulama in the history of the nation’s struggle. This message was conveyed by the President through the introduction of a new term, ‘Jas Hijau’, during his speech at the opening of the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress in Jombang, East Java, on Thursday (27/8).

The term is an analogy of the famous slogan ‘Jas Merah’ (Never Forget History) popularised by Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno. Prabowo stressed that the history of Indonesian independence cannot be separated from the spiritual and physical role of the sarungan community.

‘Therefore I want, if I am not mistaken Bung Karno said jas merah, never forget history. I want to convey jas hijau. Never forget the service of ulama,’ said the Head of State before the congress participants.

In his speech, Prabowo underlined that although the Proclamation of Independence was proclaimed in Jakarta, the real test of defending the nation’s sovereignty took place in Surabaya at the end of 1945. He said the role of kiai and pesantren was the backbone of that heroic battle.

‘The independence of the Indonesian nation was indeed proclaimed in Jakarta, but the independence of the Indonesian nation was tested in Surabaya. And in the Battle of Surabaya in October, November 1945, the role of ulama, the role of kiai, the role of pesantren was very great,’ he explained.

The President also gave special appreciation to the ‘village kiai’ who work quietly in various corners of the regions. According to him, these ulama have a major role in maintaining the social and moral stability of the nation without expecting reward from the state.

As evidence of the strong nationalism among ulama, Prabowo highlighted the song Syubbanul Wathon by KH Abdul Wahab Hasbullah. He reminded that the song was created more than a decade before the proclamation, at a time when the formal form of the Indonesian state had not yet materialised.

Prabowo briefly sang the opening part of the song to show his admiration for the vision of NU’s founders. He stressed that NU’s great aspiration is to bring Indonesia to become a nation that rises, is respected, and stands equal with other nations in the world.

Closing his speech, the President emphasised that the honour of a nation can only be achieved through justice and prosperity. He believes that the welfare of the people will never be realised sustainably without the firm enforcement of justice in the homeland.