Rais Syuriyah of West Java NU Clarifies: Support for National Police Chief Is a Personal Statement, Not the Organisation's Stance
The Rais Syuriyah of the West Java regional leadership (PWNU) of Nahdlatul Ulama, Dr. KH Abun Bunyamin, M.A., has affirmed that the statement of support for a particular figure to become Chief of the Indonesian National Police does not constitute an official stance of PWNU West Java.
According to KH Abun, the statement made by the chairman of PWNU West Java, Juhadi Muhammad, was a personal opinion and did not represent the organisation.
“That statement was a personal opinion. It was never discussed or decided through the organisational mechanisms of PWNU West Java, so it cannot be called an official organisational stance,” said KH Abun Bunyamin.
As Rais Syuriyah of PWNU West Java, KH Abun expressed regret over the emergence of the statement, as it could create the impression that PWNU West Java is involved in backing candidates for the post of National Police Chief.
KH Abun also affirmed that relations between NU and the Chief of Police, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, have been very good. The Police Chief is regarded as having greatly assisted and supported the various religious, social and community service activities carried out by NU.
“Relations between the Police Chief and NU have been very good all along. NU officials and members also feel at ease because the National Police are always present to help NU’s various activities and pesantren,” he said.
KH Abun added that General Listyo Sigit Prabowo’s closeness to the ulama has been demonstrated not only at official forums. The Police Chief is also known to frequently make courtesy visits to the kiai, both NU officials and the heads of Islamic boarding schools.
“The Police Chief has built good relations with the kiai and pesantren all this time. Such ties deserve to be appreciated and maintained for the sake of security, tranquillity and harmony in society,” he said.
For that reason, KH Abun reminded all levels of PWNU West Java to be careful in expressing views regarding public offices. Any statement made in the organisation’s name must first be discussed through the mechanisms and deliberation applicable within Nahdlatul Ulama.
“PWNU West Java must remain a great home for all NU members. The organisation must not be drawn into supporting particular interests or figures without an official organisational decision,” he asserted.