PCNU Is Strictly Prohibited From Being Involved In Practical Politics

Photo via Antara

JAKARTA - General Chairperson of the Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) Executive Board KH Yahya Cholil Staquf or familiarly called Gus Yahya reminded NU Branch Managers (PCs) throughout Indonesia not to get involved in practical politics, especially ahead of the 2024 General Election.

"If there is a PCNU involved and openly carrying out a movement to support certain politics, we will give a written warning letter," said Gus Yahya in Surabaya, Thursday, February 17, as reported by Antara.

He gave an example that some time ago, he had summoned the PCNU administrators of the Banyuwangi, Sidoarjo, and Bondowoso districts and asked for an explanation regarding allegations of carrying out practical political movements.

At that time, said Gus Yahya, there were indications that the three district PCNUs carried out political involvement beyond the allowed parameters, namely on behalf of the institution.

The summons was stated in an official letter signed by PBNU Chairman Amin Said Husni and Deputy Secretary General Nur Hidayat.

PBNU summoned PCNU Banyuwangi to ask for an explanation after receiving reports of a political agenda for the 2024 Presidential Election involving PCNU.

The event was even held at the PCNU Banyuwangi Office on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, by bringing in one of the presidential candidates.

"The place of activity is at the PCNU Office, then the backdrop says PCNU activities, but the content is practical politics. We have reprimanded them verbally. A written warning will apply to PCNUs throughout Indonesia if they do the same thing," he said.

Gus Yahya emphasized that the organization was not allowed to get involved in practical politics because it was in accordance with the decision of the 26th Congress of 1979 which was held in Semarang, Central Java.

What is certain, he continued, is that an organization or institution cannot bring NU into practical politics, but if it is done in a personal name, it is welcome.

"But that was before, don't bring it on behalf of the institution and if it's a person, you have to be responsible," said Gus Yahya.