President Jokowi Hopes NU Will Continue to Contribute to the Nation
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has expressed hope that the Indonesia’s largest Islamic mass organization Nadhlatul Ulama (NU) will continue to play its role and contribute to advance Indonesia and develop global civilization.
According to the President, NU has contributed for the independence of Indonesia and after the independence, the organization also helped the development of the country.
“We highly appreciate Nahdlatul Ulama’s commitment in safeguarding state ideology Pancasila, the national motto ‘Bhinneka Tunggal Ika’ (Unity in diversity), the Unitary of the Republic of Indonesia, and the 1945 Constitution,” President Jokowi said at the commemoration of the 95th Anniversary of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), held virtually on Saturday (30/1).
Amidst complex challenges and current development, the President added, NU has been playing its role in defending the state and nation’s interest.
“We all have witnessed the significant role of Nahdlatul Ulama to develop the nation’s intellectual life, foster the spirit of nationalism and tolerance to fight against any form of radicalism and terrorism,” the President said.
The Head of State went on to say that strategic role from NU’s kyai (teachers) and students, coupled with roles of stakeholders, must be carried on for Indonesia’s bright future, adding that the cooperation is also needed to face challenges in the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and a more intense global competition.
“Let me applaud young scholars and students who have been playing active roles in empowering community economy,” he said, adding that students at Islamic boarding schools also has entrepreneurial spirit, while some of them are tech-savvy students who initiate information technology program that can benefit the country. (FID/UN) (RAS/EP)