Ulema's involvement in politics

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