Said Aqil, who was also born in Cirebon called on the local people, both Muslims and non-Muslims, to unite against terrorism and radicalism.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia`s largest Islamic organization, on Friday condemned the suicide bomb attack at a police station`s mosque in Cirebon, West Java, earlier in the day.

"This is proof of our intelligence`s weakness. And what is saddening, this happened in Cirebon, known as the City of Wali (religious leader)," NU Chairman KH Said Aqil Siroj said.

He said he had instructed all elements of the Islamic organization in the city to thoroughly investigate the case.

"I have instructed the chief of NU`s branch in Cirebon to act and coordinate with security agencies immediately. I believe the police cannot do alone. NU, with all its available means, will help security agencies," he said.

Said Aqil, who was also born in Cirebon called on the local people, both Muslims and non-Muslims, to unite against terrorism and radicalism. "The bombing cannot be justified in whatever condition and name," he said.

He said a series of bombing cases in the country had given an impression as if the government was not serious in dealing with terrorism and radicalism.

As a native of Cirebon, he said he knew well about situation and condition in and around Cirebon. In Cirebon, Kuningan and environs there were several groups that taught radicalism and blasphemed NU`s teachings, he said.

"This is a theological terror that may soon turn into a terror act. I ask (security agencies) to put Arab-funded foundations under full surveillance. I don`t accuse, but I want the public to remain vigilant," he said.

One man was killed and 28 others wounded when a bomb exploded inside Al-Dzikr mosque in the compound of the Cirebon police headquarters during Friday prayers.

The fatality was the man who had detonated the bomb while many of the wounded were police officers including the chief of the resort police, Adj Snr Comr Herukoco.

Former NU chief Hazim Muzadi said "the perpetrators are old actors. They now have the guts to act, to attack publicly."

He said "this proves that terrorism is not identical with Islam because they also attack mosques and security apparatus."(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2011