Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia on the 95th Anniversary of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), 30 January 2021, from the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java Province

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

His Excellency Rais Am (Chairperson) and distinguished elderly Kiai;
Distinguished Tanfidziyah (Chief Executive) and the members;
Distinguished Mustasyar (Board Advisors) dan A’wan (Assistants);
Distinguished Officials of NU Autonomous Bodies and Institutions;
Distinguished Officials and representatives of NU Regional Branches and Sub Branches all around Indonesia and the world;
Esteemed guests.

Since before the independence, Nahdlatul Ulama has been an organization that provides a real contribution to achieving independence of Indonesia and helped the development of our country, Indonesia.

We are thankful, alhamdulillah, and highly appreciate NahdlatulUlama’s commitment in safeguarding state ideology Pancasila, the national motto “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” (Unity in diversity), the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, and the 1945 Constitution.

Amidst complex challenges and current development, 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 strategic roles from NU’s kyai and nyai (teachers) as well as students, coupled with roles of stakeholders, must be carried on for Indonesia’s bright future. And we expect the cooperation is also formed to face challenges in the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and a more intense global competition.

Let me applaud young nahdliyin (scholars and students) who have been playing active roles in empowering community economy based on pesantren (Islamic boarding school). Every time I visit the pesantren, I see optimism since the students there have not only religious knowledge, but also entrepreneurial spirit, while some of them are tech-savvy students who initiate information technology program that can benefit the country.

On this auspicious occasion, I wish Nahdlatul Ulama the 95th anniversary. May Allah always give His grace and bless to Nahdlatul Ulama as well as nahdliyin around the world.

Let us continue to support Nahdlatul Ulama to continue to play its role and contribute to strengthening Indonesia and advancing the world civilization, with the spirit of “Islam Nusantara” that is rahmatan lil ‘alamin (blessing for the universe).

Wallahulmuwaffiqilaaqwamit-thariq,
Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.