When Asked About Allegations Of Sabotage At The NU Congress, The Minister Of Religion Replied Curtly: I Didn't Talk About It

Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas/DOK VIA BETWEEN

JAKARTA - Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas refused to comment on allegations of sabotage at the 34th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress in Lampung which was allegedly carried out by his subordinates.

When asked about the question, the Minister of Religion Yaqut replied curtly in a high-pitched voice to reporters while walking in a hurry.

"You are. No, I'm not talking about that," said Minister of Religion Yaqut after a working meeting with Commission VIII of the DPR, Tuesday, November 30.

Previously, the Lampung Nahdlatul Ulama Regional Board (PWNU) asked law enforcement, including the KPK and the police to investigate any alleged attempts to sabotage or thwart the 34th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) congress.

Deputy Chairperson of the PWNU Lampung, Muhammad Irfandi, said that the allegation of sabotage arose along with the news of the sale of hotel rooms in Lampung to coincide with the date of the 34th NU Congress on December 23-25, 2021.

Irfandi assessed that investigations by law enforcement officers were important to clarify the issue and maintain the good name of PWNU Lampung as the host of the congress.

"I ask that the police and the Corruption Eradication Commission investigate this so that we, as the host, do not humiliate Lampung as the host. This is a big event for many people," said Irfandi to reporters, Tuesday, November 9.

Irfandi revealed, based on his searches, there were a number of hotels that were confirmed to be booked by parties on behalf of the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag). Some of them are 80 rooms at Hotel Novotel, 80 rooms at Hotel Emersia, 80 rooms at Springhill, 120 rooms at Yuna, 70 rooms at Hotel Amalia, 50 rooms at Swissbel-hotel, and 80 rooms at Sheraton.

PWNU Lampung, he said, was still waiting for clarification and good faith from the Ministry of Religion regarding the alleged act of buying hotel rooms in Lampung. In fact, Irfandi suggested that the Ministry of Religion investigate the existence of individuals acting on behalf of the ministry.

"This needs clarification, so that we don't mess with each other and accuse each other. I also don't accuse the indications of still being there if there is no intention to resolve that there are indications of sabotage, what event did the Ministry of Religion take to rent a hotel of almost 100 rooms? , here I am too," said Irfandi.

Irfandi is worried that an incident like this will create a bad impression and image for PCNU Lampung as the host of the 34th NU Congress on December 23-25, 2021. According to him, Lampung was appointed as the host because of its ability to accommodate the guests.

"Because this will be a gamble on the good image of PCNU Lampung as the host. How are we going to find a hotel, what about our elderly kiai who want to stay in hotels (close to the event location). this," he said.