Muhammadiyah Encourages PKB-PBNU To Find Solutions So That Conflicts Don't Expand

PKB Chairman Muhaimin Iskandar/PHOTO: Diah Ayu-VOI

JAKARTA - Muhammadiyah Central Leadership (PP) encourages the National Awakening Party (PKB) and the Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) Executive Board to immediately meet and find the best solution so that the conflict between the two does not spread and disrupts the current political stability.

"As an outside person, I am not in a position to interfere. However, my personal opinion is that the current situation is frankly a concern for us because these two organizations are very large," said Chairman of the Institute for International Relations and Cooperation (LHKI) PP Muhammadiyah Imam Addaruqutni in a statement reported by ANTARA, Thursday, August 15.

He hopes that soon there will be a meeting point and the process can be passed well when Indonesia is in a transitional period of government.

Addaruqutni assessed that the conflict that hit between PKB and PBNU had been classified as protracted. If the solution is not sought immediately, he is worried that the conflict will escalate and harm many parties, especially for nahdliyin residents.

Whereas judging from its history, he said, PBNU as an Islamic community organization (ormas) and PKB as a political party formed by PBNU has a very close relationship.

Therefore, according to him, PKB, cannot be separated from the line of struggle of NU because it was born to kiai who were determined to advance and prosper the people through the path of political parties.

"It is this principle and struggle that we should hope for as a way to unite," he said.

He is also optimistic that with the great attitude of NU and PKB figures, the conflict can stop and get the best solution for both parties.

"We want a cool atmosphere. Not again, especially PKB friends in a confrontation attack the kiai because they are role models for the people and figures who deserve respect," said Addaruqutni.

A similar encouragement was also conveyed by the Chancellor of Muhammadiyah University Jakarta (UMJ) Prof. Ma'mun Murod Al-Barbasy. He argues, to realize a common ground between PKB and PBNU, there needs to be a heart-to-heart dialogue.

He is also optimistic that the settlement of the chaos will be more appropriate if it is done without having to go through legal channels or a formalistic way.

Ma'mun thinks NU is a unique mass organization because it has many very charismatic kiai.

"The role of this kiai can be a facilitator or bridge to bring together two conflicting camps. I am sure those who are at odds will submit if they are brokered by respected kiai," said Ma'mun.

According to Ma'mun, who is also one of the former Chairmen of the Muhammadiyah Youth PP, PKB and PBNU are two organizations that have been around for a long time, so they are very experienced with various dynamics that arise.

That way, it is believed that PKB and PBNU administrators can think and act maturely in dealing with every polemic or conflict that occurs.

He believes that the chaos that hit PKB with PBNU is currently a form of test and part of strengthening the two organizations will be more resilient in the future.

"If the conflict is managed very well, it will hold great potential," he said.