Taufik gives aid to NU ulema

CIREBON, West Java: President Megawati Soekarnoputri's husband Taufik Kiemas visited KH Abdullah Abbason Monday, one of the most influential ulema from Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), ahead of the April 5 legislative election.

Taufik arrived at Abbas Buntet Islamic boarding school in Lemahbang subdistrict, Cirebon regency, accompanied by other senior executives of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P).

During the visit, Taufik donated a new Kijang Krista and promised aid to build at least 21 classrooms for a junior high school at the pesantren.

However, he denied it was aimed at garnering support for a possible coalition between the PDI-P and NU in the upcoming presidential election.

NU leader Hasyim Muzadi has been touted by the PDI-P as one of its possible nominees as Megawati's running mate in the presidential election.

"No. We didn't talk about that (the possible coalition)," Taufik said.

He said his meeting with Abbas was to ask for prayers in order for a peaceful and successful general election.

Taufik said his party is considering forming a coalition with the Golkar Party to contest the presidential election. --JP