Cak Imin Agrees That PBNU Will Not Be Withdrawn Into Practical Politics

PKB Chairman Muhaimin Iskandar gave a press statement after a pilgrimage at the tomb of Sunan Gunung Jati, Cirebon, West Java, Friday (8/9/2023). (ANTARA/Fauzi Lamboka)

CIREBON - Chairman of the National Awakening Party (PKB) Muhaimin Iskandar (Gus Muhaimin) agrees that the Nahdlal Ulama (PBNU) Executive Board should not get involved in practical politics.

"I agree that this attitude must be carried out, to keep PBNU as an organization from attracting practical politics," he said after a pilgrimage at the Sunan Gunung Jati Cemetery, Cirebon, West Java, as reported by ANTARA, Friday, September 8.

He considered the attitude of PBNU which emphasized that there were no candidates for presidential and vice-presidential candidates in the name of NU, which was normal.

Gus Muhaimin emphasized that PBNU must focus on its duties to take care of the people and preach to broadcast NU teachings. Politics, said Cak Imin, is a PKB affair.

"PBNU must not participate in practical politics, politics is tough, let alone PKB," he said.

The deputy chairman of the DPR said that PKB was indeed born to NU, and had been tested for success in participating in the election contestation.

He also expressed his gratitude for the loyalty of the entire community and his trust in PKB.

Previously, Gus Yahya emphasized that there were no presidential and vice-presidential candidates on behalf of NU. Gus Yahya said that if there is a candidate on behalf of NU, then it is based on his own personality.

"About the attitude I have mentioned many times, I emphasize once again here, there are no candidates on behalf of NU. I repeat yes, there are no candidates on behalf of NU," Yahya said at the PBNU office, Jakarta, Saturday (2/9).

"So if there are candidates, it's in the name of his own credibility, his own track record and so on," he added.

Gus Yahya said that so far there has been no discussion about the presidential and vice-presidential candidates. Because, this is beyond the authority of PBNU.