Nahdlatul Ulama is the Vanguard of Indonesia and Pancasila, President Jokowi Says

President Jokowi meets Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) on Monday (7/11)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo conveyed his gratitude to the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) for their important roles so the demonstration held by various elements of society on Friday (4/11) in front of the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, ran in orderly and peaceful manner.

“I thank the officials of PBNU both the central and regions who delivered statements that cooled down the situation, so the demonstration held on November 4^th  ran in orderly and peaceful manner until the sun went down,” President Jokowi said after visiting the headquarter of PBNU located at Jalan Kramat Raya No. 104, Central Jakarta, on Monday (7/11).

The President asserted that the NU has become the vanguard of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, as well as  Pancasila, diversity, and religious harmony. “I think it is clear that the NU become the vanguard of the sectors that I have mentioned,” the President firmly said.

President Jokowi admitted that he discussed many issues on that meeting which last approximately 30 minutes, particularly on concrete measures and cooperation between the Government and the NU in order to develop the nation. “I think there are many things on the ground that needs to be settled by the Government and NU, particularly those which related to people’s economy and radicalism. I think there are many things that can be done by NU and the Government,” the President said.

President Jokowi explained that he is also scheduled to meet Muhammadiyah Central Executive Board today (7/11). “After this, we will meet Muhammadiyah Central Executive Board. It should be today, but the Chairman is in Ambon; thus it will be postponed until tomorrow,” the President added.

Minister of State Secretary Pratikno accompanied President Jokowi in the meeting with PBNU. Meanwhile, KH. Ma’ruf Amin (Rais Am PBNU), KH. Masdar Farid Mas’udi (Rais Syuriyah PBNU), KH. Said Aqil Siroj (Chairman of PBNU), and Ir. H. A. Helmy Faishal Zaini (General Secretary of PBNU) attended the meeting on behalf of PBNU.(BPMI/ES)(RAS/MMB/YM/Naster)