Commemoration Of 1,000th Days Of Gus Dur's Death In Today's Memory, September 27, 2012

The 4th President of the Republic of Indonesia, Abdurrahman Wahid or who is familiarly called Gus Dur. (nu.or.id)

JAKARTA - In memory of today, 10 years ago, September 27, 2012, all Indonesian Muslims celebrated the 1,000th anniversary of the death of former President Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur). The commemoration was centered at Gus Dur's residence, Ciganjur, South Jakarta.

National figures were also present. Among others, Quraish Shihab, Mustofa Bisri (Gus Mus), Minister of Education and Culture M. Nuh, Habib Sheikh Abdul Qodir, Chairman of PBNU Said Aqil Siradj, and Chairman of GP Ansor Nusron Wahid. Haul Gus Dur was not only in Jakarta, but in other areas as well.

Gus Dur is a phenomenal figure. He can manifest as anything. He is not only known as a religious expert, but Gus Dur can master other fields. From art to film. Even Gus Dur often put himself to voice the interests of the people.

Tahlil situation on the 1000th anniversary of Gus Dur's death, at his home in the Ciganjur area, South Jakarta on September 27, 2012. (Special)

He strongly rejected the power of the New Order (Orba) which wanted to take people's land for mega projects. In the Kedung Ombo Reservoir project, for example. He plunged into the field. Provide support, as well as assistance. This closeness made Gus Dur a special and irreplaceable figure in the hearts of the Indonesian people. Especially when Gus Dur was incarnated as the number one person in Indonesia.

Gus Dur was so loved. Action is always awaited. So is the joke. However, memories are memories. Gus Dur passed away on December 30, 2009. All Indonesian people mourned. His passing brought deep sorrow.

Moreover, the figure who is known to be intelligent, simple, and peace-loving, often defends the lives of many people. Gus Dur often sided with the interests of the people, rather than the interests of the group. That is what makes Gus Dur's figure second to none.

"The sobs and tears of the people who accompanied Gus Dur's funeral procession did not actually mean to oppose death, something that is certain. But this is more an expression of a deep sense of loss, and hopes that people will be able to eliminate suffering from the mind, and then look for a loophole for 'love' that can be passed on from the deceased."

“Everyone will meet death, including Gus Dur. In fact, Prophet Muhammad SAW who is a 'lover; and the messenger of Allah, also felt pain when he passed away. Moans rang out from his holy lips, repeatedly he looked troubled. From his forehead, beads of sweat of anxiety flowed profusely. The hands of the Prophet SAW raised and shook violently, making everyone present cry," said Maman Imanulhaq Faqieh in the book Fatwa dan Canda Gus Dur (2010).

Gus Dur's fourth daughter, Inayah Wahid on a pilgrimage to her father's grave at the Tebuireng Complex, Jombang, East Java on Tuesday, August 4, 2015. (Antara/Zabur Karuru)

The longing for the figure of Gus Dur did not seem to end soon. In fact, it is increasing every day. At its peak, all kinds of elements of society held simultaneously the 1,000th anniversary of Gus Dur's death in various regions on September 27, 2012.

However, the core memorial remains at Gus Dur's residence in Ciganjur, South Jakarta. The commemoration was attended by thousands of people. National figures also participated. Among others, Quraish Shihab, Mustofa Bisri (Gus Mus), Minister of Education and Culture M. Nuh, Habib Sheikh Abdul Qodir, Chairman of PBNU Said Aqil Siradj, and Chairman of GP Ansor Nusron Wahid.

“We need to underline that our event, this haul event, is one of the important teachings in Islam which is emphasized by the Quran and Sunnah. If we talk about Gus Dur. It's not easy to talk about this character. Because it is not easy to find the key to the personality of the deceased. In fact, it might seem that there is some kind of contradiction in his attitudes.”

“He is serious but likes to joke. In serious matters, we often hear Gus Dur say: that's the way it is. Serious and joking are opposites, but they shouldn't be contradicted. Gus Dur is someone who is very rational, but at the same time he believes in suprarationalism which is sometimes called irrational for people who don't understand," said Quraish Shihab in his tausiah.