Gus Yahya Becomes Elected PBNU Chair, Erick Thohir: He's Like Kiai Said Who Lived Gus Dur's Thoughts In Raising The People's Economy

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Sharia Economic Community, Erick Thohir, congratulated KH Yahya Staquf who was elected as the General Chair of PBNU in the congress which took place in Lampung. Erick is optimistic that Gus Yahya will continue Kiai Said's achievements in order to bring benefits to the people, nation and state.

Furthermore, Erick also expressed his gratitude to Kiai Said Aqil Siradj who for two periods has brought PBNU to develop rapidly.

"Alhamdulillah. As part of the ummah, I would like to thank Kiai Said who has made great contributions, especially to the development of the sharia economy. Congratulations to Gus Yahya who will continue the efforts that have been initiated by Kiai Said, Erick said in his written statement, quoted Saturday December 25th.

Erick also told how the important role of Kiai Said was behind the formation of Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI). According to Erick, the merger of state-owned Islamic banks was successful thanks to the contribution of ideas given by Kiai Said.

"History will certainly record the great service of Kiai Said when the establishment of BSI. It is our joint endeavor to continue the struggle," said Erick.

The Minister of SOEs also acknowledged the vital role of PBNU in encouraging the economic progress of the people. Now under the leadership of Gus Yahya, who has a scientific and cultural background that is unbroken from the founders of PBNU, Erick believes that PBNU's great contribution will continue.

"I know the figure of Gus Yahya who has a strong intellectual base, culture, and tradition, just like Kiai Said, who both revived Gus Dur's thoughts in raising the people's economy," he said.

Erick also believes that Gus Yahya, who is none other than a student of Kiai Said, will continue to make PBNU an organization that becomes a pillar of the nation and state's progress. With its cultural heritage and traditions, said Erick, NU under Gus Yahya will become an important pillar in developing the sharia economy.

"God willing, NU will continue to be successful thanks to the foundation of Kiai Said and now continued by Gus Yahya. History has recorded that NU has always been a beacon of progress for the people, nation and state, especially in the sharia economy," he said.