PBNU Advises Them, Religious Figures Avoid Political Practically

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JAKARTA - The Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) Executive Board reminds religious leaders, such as kiai and kiai wives in Islamic boarding schools not to be involved in practical politics, for example as campaigners.

"Kiai or the wives of the kiai have been tasked with in-depth educating about Islamic knowledge. It is not appropriate if the kiai's duties are used for short purposes, let alone just being a campaigner," said PBNU Chairman Ishfah Abidal Aziz as quoted by Antara, Wednesday, January 18.

Abidal Aziz said kiai or kiai's wife had a noble duty in producing a generation of nations who were educated and had noble character, such as in the pesantren environment, the role of the kiai was to care for and teach students and educate them so that they could become independent individuals.

According to Ishfah, utilizing the kiai in practical political arenas actually dwarfs the strategic role of religious leaders and leaders. On the other hand, there is a bigger task that is carried out both in education and da'wah.

"As in the community, the role of the kiai is truly an example, reconciling when there is a dispute, providing enlightenment, and being a solution to the problems of the people," he said.

Therefore, he asked political parties as well as politicians and various parties to prioritize clean political methods and uphold ethics. PBNU encourages religious figures such as kiai not to be involved in practical politics at all.

He hopes that those who intend to take advantage of the kiai or kiai's wives and religious leaders think clearly and not only for the sake of short political interests. In addition to relegating the main task of religious leaders, it is prone to triggering uproar in the community.

On the other hand, he said, PBNU hopes that the kiai will become at the forefront of spreading the values of peace.

"It is very vulnerable if his kiai or mother enter politics, it is difficult to escape the potential use of religious identity politics, including carrying the flag of a mass organization," he said.

He alluded to Nahdlatul Ulama (NU)'s decision to return to Khitah 1926 where the organization firmly returned the struggle, as at the beginning of its founding, namely religious and social preaching.

"It is very fast that NU's goal is not to perpetuate practical politics, let alone use the organization for these political purposes," he said.