Ridwan Kamil: NU Must Be A 'torch' For The Republic Of Indonesia

West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil/PHOTO VIA ANTARA

JOMBANG - Governor of West Java (West Java) M Ridwan Kamil said Nahdlatul Ulama as the largest Islamic organization in Indonesia, should really be known by the younger generation and become a "torch" for the Republic of Indonesia.

"The historical record of NU should not be omitted from the narrative of formal education. The strength of NU, which must be a 'torch' in protecting the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, I also support the MSME program, this has inspiration in East Java, the high pilgrimage economy, this religious economy there are street vendors, what's the matter with us? so that it is orderly," said Ridwan Kamil after a pilgrimage to the Hadratussyaikh Hasyim Asy'ari Family Graveyard at the Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School, Jombang Regency, East Java, quoted by Antara, Friday, January 21.

In addition to pilgrimages, Ridwan Kamil also kept in touch with the management of the Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School and was joined by the Pasundan Santri Association (HISPA) which is a place where students from West Java gather at Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School.

Ridwan Kamil said that KH Hasyim Asy'ari was a Nahdatul Ulama figure and he was also part of the family of the largest Islamic organization in Indonesia.

"My ancestors, namely my grandfather was also the administrator and commander of Hezbollah in his day, connecting the ropes of history is important, well, never leave history behind," he said.

Ridwan Kamil emphasized that his visit to East Java was not for the 2024 presidential election, but there was a cooperation agreement between the West Java and East Java Provincial Governments. The agreement is about the food self-sufficiency sector.

"There are two major agreements between the West Java and East Java provincial governments regarding trade and MSMEs, after that, of course I want to visit and make a pilgrimage to the history of Nahdatul Ulama where I am part of the Nahdatul Ulama Islamic boarding school in West Java," he said.

Ridwan Kamil said his visit to the Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School was also related to his best friend, the late Salahuddin Wahid or Gus Solah.

In addition, he also felt relieved after the pilgrimage directly to the tomb of the NU cleric.

"So there was a personal relationship with the late Gus Solah, because at that time I had the intention of praying for him to come to Bandung, so I was a bit moved, because I didn't have time to attend and pay tribute at his death and funeral," said Ridwan Kamil.