Ulema's involvement in politics

Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) ulemas' willingness to come back into politics drew attention from the Indonesian media following the Rembang (Central Java) meeting which was organized by NU politicians recently.

But the ulemas' comeback into political life has received a negative response from Moslem intellectuals. They strongly oppose the NU's ulemas who wish to lead the Moslem-backed United Development Party (PPP).

I feel that they are unjust to negatively judge the NU's ulemas since they have had a gigantic role in the political development in Indonesia. They have been involved in practical politics since the birth of the republic of Indonesia.

However, I observe that NU ulemas' involvement in politics is not extraordinary. Some NU figures were appointed ministers during the old order of the late President Sukarno and in President Soeharto's New Order government.

NU followers hope that their politicians can play a leading role in the PPP and perform differently. Under NU politicians' leadership they expect the PPP will be able to compete with the ruling party, Golkar, in the next general election.

MARIA ULFAH ANSHOR Jakarta