Bung Karno Attends The Commemoration Of Nahdlatul Ulama's Birthday At GBK In Today's History, January 31, 1966

The Nahdlatul Ulama flag. (Special)

JAKARTA – Today's history, 57 years ago, on January 31, 1966, President Soekarno attended the 40th anniversary of the Birth (Harlah) of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU). He also gave a speech in the midst of hundreds of thousands of NU sympathizers at the Bung Karno Main Stadium (GBK).

Son of the Dawn revealed that his love for NU never goes out. All of this was because the NU clerics had been one of Bung Karno's mentors for a long time. Bung Karno helped NU a lot. Vice versa. The warm relationship continues to be maintained. Even though he was disturbed by the issue of the 30 September Movement (G30S) in 1965.

Soekarno's relationship with Islamic organizations in the Nusantara was well established. Instead of only being close to Muhammadiyah, Bung Karno also maintained good relations with NU. In fact, Soekarno considered NU's contribution to be quite large in the journey of the Indonesian nation.

He often asked NU clerics for guidance when the situation was critical. Even NU officials, Wahid Hasyim (son of NU founder, Hasyim Asy'ari and father of Gus Dur) once together with Soekarno initiated the birth of Pancasila.

The relationship runs harmoniously to form a symbiosis of mutualism between the two. However, the presence of the G30S changed many things. Many among the young generation of NU are furious with the existence of the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI).

President Soekarno accompanied by the Minister of Religion, Wahid Hasyim (NU figure who is also Gus Dur's father) --white coat-- talking with participants at the Reception of Alim Ulama from All over Indonesia in 1951. (ANRI)

They considered the party that Bung Karno often supported as part of the G30S. NU's youth generation was also heavily involved in efforts to purge PKI sympathizers. Their action was at the same time as a protest because Bung Karno had long taken action against the people's demands: disband the PKI.

In fact, NU did not completely hate Bung Karno. A number of high-ranking NU officials seemed to fully support Bung Karno's move. Idham Chalid, for example.

“On Sukarno's side, he had a strong desire to expand his influence beyond what was stipulated in the 1950 constitution, and he considered NU worthy of being a supporter of his wider involvement in politics. After Masyumi disappointed Soekarno, NU was the only real and representative power of religious groups for the concept of Nasakom unity which was built by Soekarno.”

“Soekarno will gladly accept the Islamic party's defense of his presidential cabinet and strong government. Until the horrendous September 30th Movement, when Soekarno's position was questioned in the incident, Idham was still loyal to Soekarno and he had to deal with militant NU youths who hated his accommodative attitude," said Ahmad Muhajir in the book Idham Chalid: Guru Politik Orang NU (2007).

Soekarno also silenced discordant voices that criticized the rift in his relationship with NU. He dismissed this notion by attending as the guest of honor at the 40th Harlah NU on January 31, 1966. Soekarno was overjoyed to be visiting Harlah NU.

Nahdlatul Ulama residents crowd the stands and the field at the Senayan Main Stadium during the NU's 40th Harlah celebration on January 31, 1966. (nu.or.id)

The happiness was because Harlah was held at the sports complex he built, GBK. He also gave a speech in the midst of hundreds of thousands of people who came. Bung Karno also showed his deep love for NU.

"What do you see, brethren, my children? Not only did the President attend Harlah NU, but the President also stated, thank God, that he could attend Harlah NU! Indeed, no-holds-barred, I love NU.”

"You've said it many times, hey NU. I love you, love me! Hey NU, I embrace you, embrace me, as Mr. Idham Chalid said earlier," Soekarno explained in his speech at the 40th NU Harlah as quoted by Budi Setiono and Bonnie Triyana in the book Revolusi Belum Selesai (2014).