"NU has the biggest following. No organization has as many followers. It means they will benefit or be impacted by each step of progress or regression," he said after attending a ceremony to confirm the NU board for the 2015 to 2020 period.
In view of that, he hoped that NU would participate, support and work together with the government in building the nation.
With its 85 million members, we hope NU can motivate them to get education on "Islam Nusantara" (archipelago Islam), which is moderate and peaceful, in view of the various crisis happening in many parts of the world following ideological and political radicalism, as well as current natural challenges, he stated.
"We must be grateful that the ongoing crisis in countries, such as Afghanistan, Syria and other Middle Eastern countries, are not taking place here," he said.
He added that NU, along with Muhammadiyah, are the biggest Islamic organizations in Indonesia and in view of that their new boards had been given a big responsibility, with regards to the development of their followers economy, education and services.
Vice President Kalla expressed hope that in the future, NU would not only talk about invocation of blessings (shalawat) and prayers for certain demands (istighosah) in terms of religion, but also in terms of development, economy and agriculture.
"NU as part of the big nation will certainly also share the difficulties that the country faces. The biggest challenge for NU in the future is the improvement of welfare of the nation and maintaining Islamic brotherhood to prevent possible friction," he said.
With regards to the global economy, NU is also expected to boost productivity of NU members in various fields, he added.
Reporting by Desi Purnamawati
(H-YH/INE/B003)
EDITED BY INE
(KR-BSR/B003)
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2015
