Makassar, S Sulawesi (ANTARA News) - Some foreign observers attending the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU)'s 32nd congress here believed that NU's new leadership would bring good changes to Indonesia.
Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Indonesia Abdulrahman Mohammed Amen Al-Khayyat said here Tuesday that the new NU leadership would be able to help Indonesia deal with various problems.
The seven-day national conference was a good chance for NU cadres to take strategic steps for determining the organisation's future struggle directions, he said.
NU's track record in history had shown that Indonesia's largest Muslim organisation was not only recognized by Indonesians but also by international community through its leaders, he said.
President of the Australian Federation of Islamic Council Ikebal Mohammed Adam Patel also expressed his optimism over NU's future, saying that the congress was expected to elect the best figure.
The best figure was the one that could bridge the harmony of the ruled and the ruler and the one who was able to create quality cadres, he said.
Asked about the misrepresentation of Islam as the religion of terror suspects in some countries, including Australia, Patel said the challenge needs to be well responded by Islamic organisations.
In this context, NU could play a role in directing and empowering moderate Muslim community in Indonesia, he said adding that Muslims were naturally peace lovers.
The growth of radicalism could not be separated from the impacts of politics in a country or global arena, he said.
The NU congress was kicked off on Monday but was officially opened on Tuesday.
In his speech at the opening ceremony, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called on NU to remain a religious social organization that shuns violence and extremism.
President said NU had been recognized in the country and even by the world as a religious social organization with a centrist, straightforward and moderate character.
Salahuddin Wahid, late Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid's brother whose popular nick name is "Gus Solah" and Said Agil Siradj are among those nominated for the NU's new leader at the Makassar congress. (R013/S012)
Berita Terkait
Prabowo Subianto: Kami membutuhkan NU
Minggu, 28 April 2024 17:56 Wib
Haul ke-18 Pendiri NU Sulsel menghadirkan tokoh agama
Jumat, 9 Februari 2024 1:03 Wib
Kapolda Sulsel mengajak pengurus NU berkolaborasi gelar bakti sosial
Rabu, 7 Februari 2024 0:46 Wib
Jokowi: NU berkontribusi luar biasa dalam menjaga keutuhan NKRI
Rabu, 31 Januari 2024 14:09 Wib
NU dan Muhammadiyah memenangkan Indonesia
Rabu, 31 Januari 2024 11:40 Wib
Debat cawapres Pemilu 2024, Muhaimin ingatkan pesan pendiri NU soal petani
Minggu, 21 Januari 2024 20:21 Wib
Presiden Jokowi menghadiri Harlah ke-78 Muslimat NU
Sabtu, 20 Januari 2024 13:17 Wib
Khofifah mengucapkan terima kasih kepada Jokowi karena berperan besar bagi NU
Sabtu, 20 Januari 2024 13:13 Wib