Approaching NU East Java, Anies Is Considered To Want To Gain Support From Islamic Groups For 2024, But Now He Is Looking For A Mainstream One

JAKARTA - DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan met with the Chairman of the East Java Nahdlatul Ulama (PWNU) Regional Management Marzuki Mustamar in Malang City, last week. Anies even had time to visit Marzuki's residence and talk privately.

Their conversation, said Anies, was limited to friendship. However, from this meeting, Anies is considered to be seeking support from Islamic groups towards the 2024 presidential election. However, this time is different.

Indonesian Political Parameter Executive Director Adi Prayitno assessed that Anies approached NU because he wanted to gain support for moderate Islamic organizations. different from the way Anies did during the DKI gubernatorial election, which was closely related to the FPI mass organization.

"Anies has been perceived as being close to the right group. Islam is a bit harsh. Now, when he met with PBNU East Java, of course Anies wanted to get rid of that impression that he could also be good friends with moderate Islamic groups, the majority like NU," said Adi when contacted, Monday, November 15.

After all, according to Adi, so far NU has had a difficult time accepting Anies because of his political stance during the 2017 DKI Pilgub. By holding a meeting with the East Java PWNU chairman, at least Anies wants to eliminate the impression of exclusivity with only one group.

"Thus, Anies is now starting to approach mainstream Islamic groups. Therefore, Anies is not just visiting the NU group, which has been at a distance from Anies," said Adi.

Then, why did Anies choose the East Java PWNU? Adi said the area did have the largest NU mass base. Moreover, he is not yet well known in areas outside Jabodetabek.

"Why go to East Java? Because the largest NU base is in East Java. So far, Anies is only known in a few areas, Jakarta, West Java, and Banten. But in other areas, many people don't know Anies," he explained. .

Previously, Anies took the time to meet with the Chairman of the East Java PWNU, Marzuki Mustamar in Malang City, while attending a seminar in Surabaya. Then, he also visited the Sabilurrosyad Islamic Boarding School.

Anies said the visit to the Islamic boarding school and Marzuki's residence was in the context of friendship. Remembering on the same day, he also attended the seminar agenda which was held in Surabaya.

"I have a seminar in Surabaya. When Mr. Kiai went to Jakarta, we both made an appointment, if one day I would stop by. So today the intention of the friendship was fulfilled," said Anies on Friday, November 12.

However, when asked if the visit had anything to do with plans to participate in the 2024 presidential election, Anies replied that at this time he was still focused on managing DKI Jakarta.

"I'm taking care of Jakarta, now taking care of Jakarta. (2024) what's really going on? We just stay in touch. Pray that everything goes smoothly, until Surabaya continues to be healthy," said Anies.