Whoa, Banser

Whoa, Banser

Media Indonesia

As a putra Nahdliyin (follower of Nahdlatul Ulama), I am increasingly scared by the seemingly endless disputes and conflicts among the political elite. I do not think they are willing to sit and talk, or compromise, and some of them are ready to deploy their military-style task forces to start street fights. Yes, they are already beginning to make use of the masses, including task forces, as their riding horses to achieve their political goals.

Accordingly, I am personally not willing that NU's multipurpose task force (Banser) be used as NU's riding horse to serve its political interests. Frankly, I do not believe that the idea of making use of Banser as a riding horse comes from President Abdurrahman Wahid. I have a feeling that there is another power that is taking advantage of the political naivete of Banser.

Jakarta is a place where devils roam all over the city taking advantage of Gus Dur's weaknesses. It is said that there are socialists, new leftists, power-thirsty generals and anarchic youths who are ready to make Banser a riding horse. They keep pretending to fight for or defend Gus Dur. As a matter of fact, they have already held several meetings to determine the best way to ride Banser.

I hate to see any Nahdlatul being possessed by a radical spirit. Nahdlatul Ulama supporters should not let themselves be overwhelmed by wrong concepts launched by elements that claim to be reformists. It would be sad if all of a sudden Banser resorted to radicalism and became anarchist.

FIKRI ILYASIN

Jakarta