Ganjar believes that Nahdlatul Ulama had an Important Role in Protecting the Republic of Indonesia

The Indonesia Post – Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo said Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) had an important role in protecting the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).

“NU has contributed a lot to the spirit of nationalism. The organization founded by Kiai Haji Hasyim Asyari plays a role in protecting the Republic of Indonesia and educating the public without abandoning religious values, “said Ganjar in Semarang, Sunday.

Therefore, Ganjar assesses that there are many things that make NU entitled to respect on its birthday such as the Islamic students (Santri) Day which is a form of respect for NU.

“Santri Day is also a form of state respect for NU which has given the spirit of nationalism,” he said, conveying a happy 95th birthday of Nahdlatul Ulama.

Ganjar admitted that so far he had established communication with NU, both personally as well as in organizational structures and even to the NU Autonomous Body, such as Ansor, IPNU, and IPPNU.

“We are often involved with NU and Banomnya in social activities. “In the context of the pandemic, NU is participating in the Jogo Santri Jogo Kiai Program, not only about health, but also on health protocol education and building the economy of Islamic boarding schools,” he said.

The number one person in Central Java has always involved religious leaders in determining policies and direction for development.

“Yes, we always involve religious leaders. We also pay attention to Islamic boarding schools and teachers, ” he said.

NU, continued Ganjar, was even inseparable from the social culture of the community, one of which was the village kiai who played an active role in educating, especially the problem of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I do not expect, if the village kiai, who in fact are NU circles, play an important role in directly educating the community,” he said.

On that occasion, Ganjar admitted that he was touched by the many kiai and clerics who died from COVID-19 so that according to him there was a need for mutual care, especially among Islamic boarding schools. (icn/bbs)