Syubbanul Wathon: Nationalism Before Independence

President Prabowo Subianto has highlighted the nationalist legacy of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), which he said had taken root well before Indonesia proclaimed its independence. He cited the song Syubbanul Wathon as proof that love of country had been part of the struggle of religious leaders since before the Republic of Indonesia was established.

“What is interesting for all of us, especially the younger generation, is that this song was composed by Kiai Haji Abdul Wahab Chasbullah more than a decade before the proclamation of independence,” Prabowo said in his speech at the opening of the 35th NU Congress in Jombang on Thursday (27/8).

According to him, the existence of Syubbanul Wathon demonstrates the courage of religious figures at the time in instilling a spirit of patriotism, even though the form of the Indonesian state was not yet clear.

“At that time we did not yet know what form the proclaimed state would take; even its name was not yet clear. But religious leaders dared to compose such a patriotic and nationalist song, more than a decade before the proclamation of independence. This song already existed,” Prabowo explained.

During his speech, Prabowo even sang the opening verse of Syubbanul Wathon before the participants of the 35th NU Congress. He assessed that the song is not merely a musical work of a religious organisation. Syubbanul Wathon, Prabowo said, reflects the fusion of religious values with love of the homeland.

“The clear evidence is the song Syubbanul Wathon, which has now become the song of Nahdlatul Ulama. This song can be said to be a patriotic song, a nationalist song, a song created by a religious group but whose spirit is one of extraordinary love of country and nationalism,” Prabowo said.

Prabowo then linked this spirit to the aspirations of NU’s founders. According to him, Indonesia’s resurgence must lead to the realisation of a nation that stands on an equal footing with other countries.

“So the aspiration of NU’s founders was for the Indonesian nation to rise, for the Indonesian nation to be equal to other nations in this world. For the Indonesian nation, if it rises, it means the Indonesian nation is honourable,” he said.