Remarks of President Prabowo Subianto at the 102nd Anniversary of Nahdlatul Ulama at Istora Senayan, Jakarta, Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests,
As devout individuals, let us express our gratitude to Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala. Only to Him do we pray, and only to Him do we seek help. We have been granted health and the ability to gather here today for this noble occasion—the 102nd Anniversary of Nahdlatul Ulama.
Honorable Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Gibran Rakabuming Raka;
The 13th Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. K.H. Ma’ruf Amin;
The Chairperson of the People’s Consultative Assembly of Indonesia, Ahmad Muzani;
The Rais ‘Aam (Supreme Leader) of the PBNU (the Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama), K.H. Miftachul Akhyar. A brief story: I have a deep emotional and spiritual connection with him because he was the last person I met before the presidential election last February. I visited him and asked for his prayers, and by the grace of Allah, everything went smoothly the next day;
The Chairperson of PBNU, K.H. Yahya Cholil Staquf;
The Deputy Rais ‘Aam of PBNU, who is also the Chairperson of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), K.H. Anwar Iskandar;
The Katib Aam of PBNU, K.H. Ahmad Said Asrori;
The Secretary-General of PBNU and Minister of Social Affairs in the Red and White Cabinet, Saifullah Yusuf, known as Gus Ipul;
Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. K.H. Nasaruddin Umar;
Coordinating Ministers, Ministers, Agency Heads, Chief of BIN, Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces, Chief of the Indonesian National Police, and all members of the Red and White Cabinet;
Ambassadors of friendly countries, including from the European Union, Türkiye, Ukraine, Austria, Sudan, Tunisia, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Pakistan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, the United States, and Palestine. If I missed mentioning any country, that is my staffer’s mistake—my apologies;
The Chairperson of Muslimat Nahdlatul Ulama, Khofifah Indar Parawansa—where is she? Congratulations on being re-elected as Governor of East Java;
Representatives of religious leaders from Muhammadiyah, Fatayat, Muslimat, PGI, KWI, Hindu Dharma, Walubi, and other distinguished figures whom I cannot name one by one;
Representatives from the Ikatan Putra Putri NU, Gerakan Pemuda Ansor, Fatayat, and Muslimat—I’ve now mentioned them three times.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Let me express my gratitude for the great honor of joining you in celebrating the 102nd Anniversary of NU. As soon as I entered this hall, I felt a special aura—an aura of peace, unity, noble intention, and harmony. I feel comfortable among you all. I feel safe. It seems like being here gives me new energy, new strength. It strengthens my resolve not to disappoint the trust placed in me, in Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, and in all members of our coalition. I must admit that I, too, have fears. I fear disappointing my people.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I believe ulema (clerics) here know me well. I have long been close to the ulema. I often explain why I am so close to them—it is because I am a former soldier. Soldiers are always close to the ulema. Why? Because soldiers, from a young age, are sent on missions, facing dangers and even death. And when people face death, they seek out clerics. So, I have been seeking ulema since I was young.
On my personal behalf and on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, I once again congratulate NU. NU has made great contributions to the birth of Indonesia. We know that the struggle for independence was centered in Islamic boarding schools (pesantren).
Ladies and gentlemen,
Nahdlatul Ulama has always stepped forward in times of crisis, taking a stand to save the nation and the Republic of Indonesia. The Proclamation of Indonesia’s Independence was declared in Jakarta, but its real test was in Surabaya, in East Java. The battle on November 10 saw the rise of the ulema as warriors, pioneers, and leaders in defending Indonesia’s independence.
That is why I deeply respect the leaders of NU for preserving this legacy. I honor NU’s commitment throughout history as a great organization, a home for ulema and Islamic scholars who promote a peaceful and merciful Islam, rahmatan lil alamin.
I have known Gus Ipul for a long time—back in his Ansor days. Since then, I have witnessed NU’s dedication, its commitment to defending the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), standing at the forefront in protecting our homeland. NU is a religious nationalist group. We, on the other hand, are nationalists who are religious.
There is a long speech prepared for me, but how about I keep it brief? I’m sure you’re already tired of speeches, right? Today, I am surrounded by a sea of green—not walking on a red carpet, but on a green one. Even the lights are green. Fortunately, my batik also has some green in it.
Ladies and gentlemen,
According to my notes, 13 of our National Heroes come from NU. God willing, we will push for more this year. I hope it will be approved. Minister of Social Affairs, who determines National Heroes? Not you? But if you don’t propose them, I can’t…
In my Red and White Cabinet, many NU prominent figures serve: Minister of Religious Affairs, Minister of Social Affairs, Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, and Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/Head of National Land Agency. They are Ministers—and there are even more Vice Ministers. This is not because they are from NU; rather, they are simply the best, and when the best are nominated, they cannot be rejected.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I want to emphasize my gratitude for your support of the Indonesian government. We all share a vision of a successful Indonesia. In this world, some nations thrive, some remain stagnant, and others fail.
Success does not fall from the sky. A thriving nation requires hard work and unity. And here, NU plays a crucial role, representing the religious majority alongside Muhammadiyah, Persis, and others—always with moderation, tolerance, and mutual respect for all religious communities.
My staffer showed me a photo with Gus Dur earlier—smart move. One of Gus Dur’s greatest legacies was his commitment to a moderate and peaceful Islam. During his time, when radical groups threatened minorities, NU stood up to protect their places of worship.
When I led Gerindra, I followed Gus Dur’s example. When churches and temples were threatened with bombings, I ordered Gerindra to protect them.
Leadership requires courage, even when it is unpopular. Gus Dur was sometimes unpopular because he was brave. Today, we also need to be brave. In the Red and White Cabinet, I call on my colleagues to be bold—to reform governance, to eliminate corruption. We know resistance exists, but we will not hesitate.
In our first 100 days, I have repeatedly issued reprimands. Now, for those who defy the people’s call for clean governance, I will take firm action.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Do not think that we are fools. Some may say that I am stupid—that’s fine. Some may call me a foolish scoundrel. But I won’t mention names; you already know. That’s all right. But we understand the situation, and we know what’s going on.
In the first hundred days, we will be good. Meaning, I hope there will be awareness. I have said it before: to all government personnel, to all institutions—make sure that you are clean, before you are forced to be clean. And I remind all government personnel that your loyalty is to the nation, the state, and the people of Indonesia. If you are not loyal to the Indonesian people, if you obstruct policies that are meant to help the people, I will take action against you. And I order Ministers and Institutional leaders not to hesitate.
Ladies and gentlemen,
We serve the nation, the state, and the people of Indonesia.
I thank you.
Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Long live Nahdlatul Ulama!
(RI/LW)