Minister Yaqut Asked For Self-Correction, MPR RI: Ministry Of Religion Results Of The Struggle Of Islamic Leaders In The Era Of Independence

Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Quomas alias Gus Yaqut (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) asked the Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas to straighten out his statement that the Ministry of Religion was a state gift for Nahdlatul Ulama (NU).

"The MPR recommends (Yaqut, ed) to correct his statement," said MPR Deputy Chair Arsul Sani, Monday, October 25.

Furthermore, the MPR leader from PPP explained that the Ministry of Religion was indeed led by Islamic leaders, but its formation was also communicated with nationalist figures. Both inside and outside the sessions of BPUPK Indonesia and PPK Indonesia.

Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), said Arsul, did have a role in the formation of the Ministry of Religion. However, he said, it cannot be simplified that NU is the only one that can 'occupy' the Ministry of Religion.

"We are wiser to say that the establishment of the Ministry of Religion is a blessing and the result of the struggle of Islamic leaders in the independence era," said Arsul. The first minister was indeed an NU figure, namely Wahid Hasyim. However, added Arsul, the position of the Minister of Religion was later also taken from a Muhammadiyah figure.

"The first Minister of Religion in Soekarno's Presidential Cabinet was KH Wahid Hasyim, his father Gus Dur who we know as the son of the founder of NU Hadratussyaikh KH Hasyim Asyari. About three months later, when he entered the cabinet under PM Sjahrir I, then the Minister of Religion was KH M. Rasjidi, who incidentally is a Masjumi-Muhammadiyah figure," said Arsul.