"We have no difference of opinion. We differ only in research matters," the religious affairs minister said at the presidential office here on Friday.
He said the ministry of religious affairs focused its studies on the education aspect while MUI focused its studies on education and leadership.
The religious affairs minister said that his ministry and the MUI had the same opinion on the educational aspects in the Al Zaytun boarding school.
"Namely, Al Zaytun has no connection with the NII," he said.
However, the minister said, MUI saw that there was a correlation between Al Zaytun and NII in terms of leadership.
He admitted that he had directly asked Al Zaytun leader Panji Gumilang about its alleged connection with NII.
Suryadharma Ali was trying to clarify information circulating among the public which said that there was a historical link between Al Zaytun and NII.
He also asked questions about the funding system of Al Zaytun which was believed to be the same as that of NII.
The minister also asked whether Panji Gumilang was the leader of NII Region 9 (NII KW 9).
"He said that there was no connection," Suryadharma Ali said.
The minister said that the physical characteristics of its building, administration system and management of Al Zaytun were already categorized as modern ones.
"When I was there I said it was difficult for me to say that Al Zaytun educational institution has connections with NII," the minister said.
(Uu.A014/HAJM/H-YH)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
