Sulaeman Tanjung: PBNU Keeps Distance From Political Parties

Deputy Secretary General (Wasekjen) of PBNU Sulaeman Tanjung. BETWEEN/HO-Humas PBNU

JAKARTA - Deputy Secretary General of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) Sulaeman Tanjung ensured that the largest mass organization in Indonesia would keep its distance from political parties. "PBNU General Chairperson KH Yahya Cholil Staquf is very clear, has never questioned PKB, he just wants to keep his distance," he said in a written statement in Jakarta, Antara, Sunday, August 27. He explained the results of the Kompas Survey that the votes of NU residents were divided evenly in all political parties. Even the most NU residents apparently voted for the PDI-P, then Gerindra was in second place and the Golkar Party. Just voted for PKB in fourth place. " “ So NU doesn't just belong to PKB. The proof that NU residents choose the most is PDI Perjuangan, not PKB. So PBNU will keep its distance from all political parties, there will be no special treatment,” he said. Sulaeman denied the statement by political observer Fahry Ali made on a television station that any statement from PBNU chairman KH Yahya Cholil Staquf had no effect on PKB. Gus Yahya never had a problem with PKB. Only what he regretted was that it turned out that PKB voters themselves refused to be with Muhaimin. This is a fact, Kompas PKB surveys are 7 percent and Muhaimin is only 0.4. It's jomplang,” he said. With Muhaimin's electability far below the PKB, he said, it can be interpreted that what has no influence on PKB is actually Muhaimin himself. With this fact, Sulaeman even estimates that the presidential candidate who collaborates with Muhaimin as a vice presidential candidate (cawapres) will suffer defeat.

“ Whoever the presidential candidate will lose if the vice president is Muhaimin. In simple theories, PKB wong is not responsible for the rating of its general chairman, ” said Sulaeman.