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