Surabaya Is Ready To Host A Century Of Nahdlatul Ulama

Mayor of Surabaya Eri Cahyadi when giving a speech at the Napak Tilas Hoofdbestuur Nahdlatoel Oelama (HBNO) event in Surabaya City, Thursday (17/2/2022). (ANTARA/HO-Diskominfo Surabaya)

SURABAYA - Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi stated that the City of Heroes, East Java, is ready to host the centenary or 100th anniversary of Nahdlatul Ulama's (NU) birthday on 16 Rajab 1444 Hijriah or 2023 AD.

"Sorry, if it is allowed, Surabaya and all residents in this area are ready to host a century of NU next year," said Mayor Eri Cahyadi while attending Napak Tilas Hoofdbestuur Nahdlatoel Oelama (HBNO) in Surabaya as reported by Antara, Thursday, February 17.

The event was attended by PBNU Chairperson KH Yahya Cholil Staquf, PBNU Secretary General KH Saifullah Yusuf, PBNU Treasurer Mardani Maming, PBNU Chair Alissa Wahid, other PBNU ranks and PCNU Surabaya Chair KH Ahmad Muhibbin Zuhri.

NU was founded by scholars under the leadership of KH Hasyim Asyari on January 31, 1926 or 16 Rajab 1344 in Surabaya. On October 22, 1945, a historic event occurred when the "Jihad Resolution" was initiated by KH Hasyim Asy'ari in Surabaya, to be precise at HBNO Surabaya. From there, the spirit of nationalism against the invaders grew.

"As a Suroboyo area, we are very proud because this city has a close relationship with NU. NU and Surabaya are an inseparable part," he said.

In addition to being ready to host the NU centenary commemoration, Eri Cahyadi also asked for permission to make HBNO, which is now the PCNU Surabaya office, as a museum containing the history of NU's development, including the application of technology in various NU symbols.

"So, young people know that since the beginning NU has been at the forefront to win independence. Now NU under the leadership of KH Miftachul Akhyar and KH Yahya Cholil Staquf has always been consistent in empowering the people and protecting the Unitary Republic of Indonesia," he said.

Eri Cahyadi said he was proud of the leadership vision of KH Miftachul Akhyar and KH Yahya Cholil Staquf who are now very passionate about empowering the people and spurring digitalization in every aspect of the lives of the Nahdliyin.

"Welcoming the 100th anniversary of Nahdlatul Ulama, how fast is NU's development. NU young people are not only proficient in religious knowledge, not only mastering the yellow book, not only wirid experts, not only pro-NKRI, but also active in entrepreneurship, social activities, and mastering technology information," he said.