The head of state and First Lady Ani Yudhoyono arrived at the venue at around 1 pm local time and were warmly greeted by big applause of thousands of NU members.
Religious Affairs Minister Suryadharma Ali and NU Chairman Said Aqil Siraj flanked the president on the occasion.
A number of ministers and other high ranking officials were also present in the anniversary of NU, the country`s largest Islamic organization.
The NU anniversary was highlighted with several activities such as a seminar on people`s economy and an exhibition displaying goods produced by NU members.
Some 30,000 civilian security officers of NU joined a procession on the occasion.
In the opening the 16th Congress of Muslimat NU, NU women`s wing, in Bandar Lampung, Lampung province, recently, Said Aqil Siraj said that for NU the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) was final.
"As the biggest Islamic organization committed to fighting for Islam we also cultivate moderation, tolerance, aversion to violence and coercion," he said.
Said Aqil said "while being religious we will keep our commitment to nationalism, Pancasila (state ideology), Bhineka Tunggal Ika, and UUD`45 (the 1945 constitution)."
"This is not lip service. It is a principle, a vision that has been established since 1936 or nine years before the country gained independence," he said.
(*)
Editor: AA Ariwibowo
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
