"NU`s dedication to the nation is very extraordinary, both during the struggle for independence from the colonial ruler and at present. I congratulate NU on its 85th anniversary," he said on the sidelines of a ceremony marking the organization`s 85th anniversary at Bung Karno Stadium here on Sunday.
It was undeniable that NU had played a major role in the life of the nation, he said.
He expressed hope that NU would play a bigger role in the future and therefore, it needed to work hard.
Chairman of the Constitutional Court Mahfud MD meanwhile said NU was a sociological and political pillar for the continuation of the Indonesian nation.
As a majority group in the predominantly Muslim country, Muslims could demand anything politically. However, NU chose a moderate way and thus, the Islamic-based sociological and political pillar built by NU had become public property, he said.
"So it is important and right for President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to attend the commemoration of NU`s anniversary. This is because if NU, for instance, chose other way than moderate way, and did not think of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, Indonesia would face a major problem. But so far NU has taken part in safeguarding the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia," he said.
The chairman of the event`s organizing committee, As`ad Said Ali said the NU`s grand meeting was held in response to the recent dynamics in the country`s religious life marked by growing radical movements under the name of religion.
"Through this event, the NU executive board calls on all parties to develop again moderate and tolerant Islamic teachings as well as to keep watch for any threat to the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia," he said.
(T.S037/Uu.S012/H-NG)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
