Facing Difficult Times Of Pandemic, Muhaimin Iskandar Reminds The Figure Of Gus Dur

Chairman of the PKB Muhaimin Iskandar. (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA – Indonesia is trying to get out of various kinds of problems due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Facing protracted problems so far, the general chairman of the National Awakening Party (PKB) DPP Muhaimin Iskandar reminded that the fighting spirit of KH Abdurrahman Wahid or Gus Dur could be an inspiration in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Hopefully Gus Dur's fighting spirit will inspire the government, society, and all of us, so that Indonesia can overcome the difficult times of the current pandemic," said Muhaimin, quoting Antara, Sunday, August 22, evening.

Muhaimin conveyed this when reading the manaqib or life history of Gus Dur, which was a series of the 12th Haul Gus Dur which was held online.

Muhaimin stated that Gus Dur had provided a way or model, where the involvement of all parties became an extraordinary force in solving every problem.

"If we can mobilize all the forces, we can overcome the pandemic, succeed in development to become an advanced, just, and prosperous Indonesia," said Muhaimin.

Muhaimin considered that the figure of Gus Dur always instilled an attitude of self-confidence with the wealth of cultural treasures owned by the Indonesian people.

He believes, in the midst of the current crisis and pandemic, the government will not be able to run alone, without involving and working together with the power of the community to get involved and be a part of providing solutions to the community.

Then Muhaimin gave an example, the vaccination program will only end if all forces are involved to make it a success. But he said, relying solely on the government would certainly be slow and encounter various obstacles.

"Imagine a few months ago, we were debating about halal or haram vaccines. This is due to the low participation of community involvement," said Muhaimin.

A number of figures participated in reading Gus Dur's manaqib including Coordinating Minister for Political and Legal Midwives Moh. Mahfud MD, Secretary-General of the Alliance of Indigenous Peoples of the Archipelago (AMAN) Rukka Sombolinggi, Humanist Sujiwo Tejo and Academician Nadirsyah Hosen.

While a number of figures were present at the Haul, including the Minister of Manpower Ida Fauziyah, Deputy PKB DPP Hanif Dhakiri, to PKB Deputy DPP Deputy Head Jazilul Fawaid.