PBNU Ensures NU Is Neutral In Elections, Has Not Changed Since 1926

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) Executive Board Yahya Cholil Staquf emphasized that NU's independence and neutrality in elections had never changed since the formation of the community organization (ormas) in 1926.

"Yes, NU as an institution is still in that position (according to the 1926 order), because this is an official decision of the congress that has never been disallowed, it cannot be an institution (leading)," said Yahya Cholil Staquf after meeting President Joko Widodo at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Friday.

The man who is familiarly called Gus Yahya conveyed that in principle NU approved everything that was aimed at the benefit of the nation, including the matter of elections.

Yahya also emphasized that NU is not a political party, so it is not in a position to nominate candidates for elections. However, he continued, NU welcomes political parties that want to carry NU cadres as candidates in the 2024 election.

Regarding the support for NU cadres promoted by political parties, Yahya emphasized that his party was not in a position to provide political support to certain parties.

"Yes, what support is the support? This Wong NU is not a political party. How many times have I shouted about this. NU is not a political party, NU is not in a position to provide political support," he said.

According to him, the only thing NU has done regarding the current election is to try their best to keep the community at peace and harmony during the stages of the democratic party.

"The only thing NU will do is try their best to keep the community at peace, stay in harmony, there will be no antagonism, there will be no hostility between groups because of the political agenda," he explained.

NU will continue to convey an understanding to the public that elections are only a routine procedure to determine future leadership.

"When this procedure has been completed, yes, whoever is elected, whoever becomes the government, yes, it is the government of all Indonesian people, must be supported, must be obeyed. We do not need to continue the antagonism among different supporters," he said.

He said elections are not a place for jihad fisabilillah or a badr war about life and death.

"(Pemilu) This is just a matter of procedures to determine government officials, in this case is the president and also the legislature. I think that's all," said Gus Yahya.