Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia During the Nahdlatul Ulama’s Centennial Anniversary Peak Event, Gelora Delta Sidoarjo, February 7, 2023

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,

Alhamdulillahirabbil alamin washolatu wassalamu ala asrafil ambiya’iwal mursalin sayyidina wa habibina wasyafi’ina wa maulana Muhammadin wa ala alihi wa shohbihi ajma’in Amma ba’du.

[Introductory remarks of Islamic preacher]

Distinguished Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia who is also Mustasyar (Advisory Board) of Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) Prof. Kiai Haji Ma’ruf Amin and spouse,

Distinguished the 5^th President of the Republic of Indonesia Ibu Prof. Dr. Megawati Soekarnoputri,

Distinguished 10^th and 12^th Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia Drs. Haji Jusuf Kalla.

Honorable Ibu Sinta Nuriyah Abdurrahman Wahid,

Distinguished Rais Am (Supreme Leader) of PBNU K.H. Miftahul Akhyar and all ranks,

Distinguished Chairperson of PBNU Kiai Haji Yahya Cholil Staquf and all members of executive board of PBNU;

Distinguished religious leaders and teachers,

Distinguished Ministers of the Indonesia Cabinet Onward, Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) and Chief of the Indonesian National Police,

Distinguished Nahdlatul Ulama’s members and big families,

Distinguished Muslimah NU members,

Distinguished Fatayat NU members,

Distinguished Banser NU members,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Distinguished Pagar Nusa members,

Distinguished GP Ansor members,

Distinguished Ishari members,

Good morning.

The performance of Banser (civilian militia wing of NU)’s drum band amazed me. They performed “We Will Rock You” by Freddie Mercury from Queen. Now Banser is enjoying Queen.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Are you feeling hot? The heat this morning is a healthy one as the vitamin D is great for boosting our immunity. So, it’s favorable heat.

First and foremost, on behalf of the Indonesian people, I congratulate, applaud, and rejoice for NU’s role for the nation and state. For a century, NU has given extraordinary colors to Indonesia: Islam and national spirit, Islam and nationality, unity, and togetherness, as well as harmony in diversity.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Entering the second century, Insha Allah, NU will grow stronger and become a role model in moderate Islam, providing examples of good Islamic norms, upholding morality values, and eastern customs, politeness, goodwill and good of conduct, as well as maintaining tolerance, unity, mutual cooperation, and keep pace with the times. As the largest Islamic organization in the world, NU deserves to contribute to the international community.

And the Government appreciates efforts made by Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board’s (PBNU) to participate in ushering in a better and more noble global civilization. As a deeply rooted Islamic organization in the country, NU has maintained the people’s resilience in surmounting multiple challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, radical movements, as well as identity politics and extremism.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Amid the changes, NU should stay ahead and must be able to brace for future challenges, catch up with technological developments and economic transformation, and maintain a just and civilized social order. I hope NU’s educational institution can prepare their youth members (nahdiyin) so they can master recent technology and digital technology that rapidly developed as well as capable to be excellent professionals. I also hope NU will embrace and pay a serious attention to the youth so they remain firmly rooted in the traditions and norms of ahl as-sunnah wa al-jama’ah and continue to master science and technology.

I hope the second century of NU will mark the organization’s revival, strengthen our Islam and national spirit, improve the people’s welfare, and create an advanced and dignified future for Indonesia.

That concludes my statement.

By saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, I officially open Nahdlatul Ulama’s Centennial Anniversary Peak Event.

I thank you.

Wallahul muwaffiq ila aqwamit-thariiq,

Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

(GWH/EP)