Ibu Sinta hosts interfaith sahur

Jakarta, KARTANU. Sinta Nuriyah Wahid, well-known as Ibu Sinta former first lady of Indonesia, is determined to carry on the legacy of her late husband, Abdurrahman Wahid, popularly known as Gus Dur.

The longtime Nahdlatul Ulama leader, who served as Indonesias president from 1999 to 2001, is regarded as a father of pluralism and democracy, and a strong advocate of religious tolerance.

Ibu Sinta hosts interfaith sahur (Sumber Gambar : Nu Online)

Ibu Sinta hosts interfaith sahur

Keeping his spirit alive, Sinta hosted a pre-dawn Ramadhan meal and dialogue to promote interfaith understanding at Pesantren Al Ghazaly in Bogor on July 11th.

"We always conducted similar activities when my husband was the president. Ramadan is a time when everyone gets together. I would like to continue these activities," Sinta said as quoted by Khabar Southeast Asia.

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"We would like to interact with people from various backgrounds as a reminder that we are living among those with different faiths and ethnicities. We need to provide an example for our community that everyone can get together in peace regardless of our differences," she added.

The lessons of Ramadhan

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About 300 people attended the pre-dawn meal, known as Sahur. Among them was Fransiscus Hari, who spoke with Khabar Southeast Asia a day after the event.

"I am really fortunate that I had an opportunity to attend this forum. Even though I am not a Muslim, everyone was friendly and greeted me warmly," he said. "We had good dialogues among followers of different religions. We forgot what conflicts had occurred [in West Java]. The event gave us a lot of room to learn from each other."

According to the former first lady, fasting teaches patience and the ability to withstand thirst, hunger and lust. "Various actions of corruption have been caused by an eroding faith, and now it is a time to leave any bad behaviours behind. We need to move forward," Sinta added.

She also asked everyone to embrace tolerance and peace, and to help those in need, including street children and the homeless.

The head of the Pesantren Al Ghazaly, Mustafa bin Abdullah bin Nuh, called for bringing all religious followers together as one nation.

"Islam is the religion of the majority in our country and in the past Islam was able to unite Indonesia under the Pancasila, the five philosophical pillars of Indonesia, and under the Indonesian constitution of 1945," he said.

"And I am sure it still does," he added.

Prophet teaches love, respect and harmony

Bogor city community leader Dody Rosadi praised the gathering as a positive development. "We need many more similar events in Bogor and other places, especially when the community has various religious followers," he told Khabar.

"We have to use the life of our Prophet as guidance for living. He teaches us love, respect, and harmony," he said. "Do not just perform acts of worship and religious rituals we must change our attitude and behaviour to be better."

Muhammad Akbar, an Al Ghazaly student, admitted that he became more open and tolerant after attending the event.

"Before attending this event, I only focused on Islam and was not very open to other religions. I just thought we are different. But with this event, I can see tolerance in practice," he said.

Alex Paul, a member of the GKI Yasmin church in Bogor, said such moments of togetherness are what Indonesia needs. "Events like this tear down the differences in society. Hopefully, this will be followed by other communities," Alex told Khabar.

John Naidoo, one of the interfaith leaders at the event, said that the religious differences in Indonesia are Gods beautiful creation, and that Indonesians must remember the national motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (unity in diversity).

"It is a powerful motto. It is telling you about Indonesia, and it is our identity," he said.

Editing by Sudarto Murtaufiq

Dari (National) Nu Online: http://www.nu.or.id/post/read/46372/ibu-sinta-hosts-interfaith-sahur

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People told not to use Quran to justify disgraceful actions

Jakarta, KARTANU. The people should not use the Quran for justifying disgraceful actions similar to those done by the supporters of ISIS, urged Indonesian Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin as reported by republika.co.id.

"Do not use the Quran to justify radical actions alike those done by the ISIS group," he stated while opening the 18th anniversary commemoration of Bayt Alquran and Istiqlal Museum at the Indonesia in Miniature Garden (TMII) here on Wednesday (6/5).

People told not to use Quran to justify disgraceful actions (Sumber Gambar : Nu Online)

People told not to use Quran to justify disgraceful actions

He noted that the Quran actually serves as a reference for Muslims to determine laws to settle various problems.

The holy Quran is also a reference for Muslims of various schools and sects, he pointed out.

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The minister affirmed that a radical movement would only hurt Islam, adding that Islam is a civilized religion, and hence, any radical response to any act of provocation would not be recommended.

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He lauded the graceful response by Muslims to a provocative Prophet Muhammad cartoon contest in the United States recently.

"Muslims must not be overly provoked to commit violence in response to such activities. That is not an Islamic teaching," he emphasized.

He noted that if Muslims wanted to protest against such an activity, they should do it in a civil manner.

"Muslims could launch a protest in a civil manner and not through violence or other forms of disgraceful acts," he remarked.

The minister affirmed that they could launch a protest through a dialog with the organizing committee of the activity to explain about the issue and why Muslims have deplored the activity.

Editing by Sudarto Murtaufiq

Dari (National) Nu Online: http://www.nu.or.id/post/read/59428/people-told-not-to-use-quran-to-justify-disgraceful-actions

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NU to hold national congress in Jombang in August

Surabaya, KARTANU. Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) chairman Saifullah Yusuf, popularly known as Gus Ipul, said that the NUs 2015 muktamar (national congress) would be held in Jombang, East Java, from Aug.1 to 7.

We have prepared four pesantren [Islamic boarding schools], namely Cukir, Petorangan, Tambakberas and Tebuireng, to be used to accommodate the muktamar NU participants, said Saifullah, who is also East Java deputy governor, on Monday (26/01).

NU to hold national congress in Jombang in August (Sumber Gambar : Nu Online)

NU to hold national congress in Jombang in August

He said the 33th muktamar would take place at the Alun-alun Jombang, where the organizing committee would set up giant tents to accommodate thousands of participants attending the opening session, meetings and plenary sessions, NU chair election and closing ceremony.

For this years muktamar, especially in the election of the rois aam [law-making body leader], we will use the so-called ahlul hall wal aqdi election system. This method is used to differentiate the election of NU general chairman of lawmaking council (rais aam) and NU general chairman of executive council, said Saifullah.

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In the ahlul hall wal aqdi election system, the rois aam will be elected by representatives of senior Islamic teachers so that fights between supporters of candidates can be avoided. Meanwhile, the election of the PBNU chair will be conducted via a direct election, said Saifullah.

Ahead of the muktamar, several people have been touted as PBNU chairman candidates. They include incumbent candidate KH Said Aqil Siroj and KH Sholahuddin Wahid or Gus Sholah, who reportedly will run for the NU chairmanship.

KH Mustofa Bisri or Gus Mus and KH Hasyim Muzadi, who is also former PBNU chairman, are considered strong candidates for rois aam.

NU Rais Syuriah (supreme council chairman) KH Mas Subadar said the Jombang muktamar was an important event as it would be used as to return to the true spirit of the NU, which celebrates its 100-year anniversary this year.

The participants can also make a devotional visit to the graves of NU founders and leaders such, as former president KH Abdurrahman Wahid or Gus Dur, he said.

Editing by Sudarto Murtaufiq

Dari (National) Nu Online: http://www.nu.or.id/post/read/57370/nu-to-hold-national-congress-in-jombang-in-august

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Indonesia should embrace Islam Nusantara

Jakarta, KARTANU. Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin said that the country should embrace Islam Nusantara (Islam of the Archipelago) and showcase itself as a Muslim-majority country with moderate views and an emphasis on religious tolerance.

Lukman said after a discussion on Islam Nusantara at his official residence in South Jakarta recently, that the term did not refer to a mix of Islam and Javanese traditions. Instead he believes, Islam Nusantara promotes a synthesis of Islamic values and teachings and a variety of indigenous cultures.

Indonesia should embrace Islam Nusantara (Sumber Gambar : Nu Online)

Indonesia should embrace Islam Nusantara

The teachings that have been implemented in our country for hundreds of years have manifested into something special that cant be experienced anywhere else. This is what we now call moderate Islam, which is tolerant and full of Muslims who peacefully coexist with others an Islam that supports human rights and the rights of women, Lukman was quoted by The Jakarta Post as saying.

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Lukman further said that Indonesia, which is a member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, should promote its own version of Islam and become a model for other Muslim-majority countries around the world.

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He also said the country needed an extensive dialogue to allow different Muslim groups to grasp the meaning of Islam Nusantara and to understand that the moniker did not, and would never refer to, a separate branch of Islam.

Meanwhile NU young intellectual Ulil Absar Abdalla said that Islam Nusantara was in fact practiced by a majority of people in the country.

[Indonesian Muslims] are tolerant, easy going and rich. We [...] may not agree with each other but we rarely resort to violence, he said.

He noted that early preachers of Islam in the country has made teachings in the Koran consistent with local cultures.

Our Wahabist [a conservative sect of Sunni Islam] friends and members of the HTI all have the right to live here, as do atheists. All groups must have a guarantee that they may live in this country, he said.

Even so, Ulil warned that the discourse of Islam Nusantara should not be muffled so as not to alienate other Muslim groups or religious minorities.

Despite claims regarding the compatibility of Islam with democracy and human rights, The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) published a report last month decrying Indonesias continuous intolerance of religions other than the Sunni version of Islam. (masdar)

Dari (National) Nu Online: http://www.nu.or.id/post/read/61928/039indonesia-should-embrace-islam-nusantara039

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ISNU chairman could garner lots of votes

Jakarta, KARTANU. Chairman of a reliable survey organization Polcomm Institute Heri Budianto said that the Nahdlatul Ulama Scholars Association (ISNU) chairman Ali Masykur Musa could compete with Jakarta Governor Joko "Jokowi" Widodo in the 2014 presidential election.

Heri said that Musas popularity had increased as respondents considered that he had greater support from the Nahdliyin (the faithful members of NU) and interfaith organizations and activists.

ISNU chairman could garner lots of votes (Sumber Gambar : Nu Online)

ISNU chairman could garner lots of votes

As a member who was born from and plays an active role in NU, its normal if Ali Masykur receives greater supports from NU members. Although he ranks third, he has the potential to garner lots of votes, said Heri.

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He further said that Ali Masykur had also been deemed successful in carrying out his duties as a BPK member, especially when it came to handling environment and food security issues.

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A political expert from the University of Padjadjaran, Lely Arrianie, said if Ali Masykur could approach young people and capitalize on their supports, he would get an even higher electability rating.

Editing by Sudarto Murtaufiq

Dari (National) Nu Online: http://www.nu.or.id/post/read/50705/isnu-chairman-could-garner-lots-of-votes

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Muslims declare support for Ahok

Jakarta, KARTANU. Prior to his inauguration as new Jakarta governor, acting governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama, has received support from various Muslim communities online and offline despite his minority status.

A movement expressing support for Ahok, I am Muslim and I support Ahok has circulated on social media, in an apparent effort to counter the anti-Ahok movement launched by hard-line group the Islam Defenders Front (FPI).

Muslims declare support for Ahok (Sumber Gambar : Nu Online)

Muslims declare support for Ahok

Over the weekend a group calling itself the Indonesia Volunteers Front unfolded a giant banner at the car-free day at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle and invited Jakarta residents to sign the banner, showing support for Ahok. Hundreds of signatures were collected on the day.

On Monday, representatives of an Islamic group, Dzikrul Ghofilin, which claims to have thousands of followers, came to meet Ahok and directly conveyed their support for Ahok, a Christian of Chinese descent. Group representative Muhammad Subchi said the group had decided to stand up and directly convey their support out of fears that the anti-Ahok movement would tarnish the image of Islam.

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The media has focused on the anti-Ahok movement launched by the FPI. It has tarnished Islam and is very bothering. Islam loves and teaches peace. I think I also have the right to explain about peaceful Islam so people wont be confused, he told reporters upon arrival at City Hall.

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He said the group opposed the FPIs stance, saying that the latter had violated the Constitution. We have to abide by the rules in managing the state, he said, adding that the state guaranteed each citizens rights regardless of religious background.

Later in the day, Ahok attended a meeting at Uhamka University in East Jakarta and was deliberately invited as a keynote speaker.

However, he declined to deliver a speech and instead asked the forum to ask him questions. Hundreds of audience members were enthusiastic, asking him various questions on leadership, corruption and politics.

A female student from Depok, West Java, for example, asked him how the younger generation could contribute to society amid growing political indifference caused by rampant corruption involving politicians. Ahok used the occasion to persuade the students to consider entering politics.

I was also skeptical at first. But history has shown that everywhere in the world including in Indonesia, the youth were the ones who brought about changes. I am here today, partly because I want to persuade you to enter politics in the future. We need young politicians who are clean and honest to make changes. We cant continue to help the underprivileged by ourselves because we have limited resources, he said, adding that Indonesia needed good leaders.

He also impressed the audience by asking thought-provoking questions regarding the Prophet Muhammads sayings and even citing Koranic verses occasionally while explaining his political philosophy.

He also highlighted the fact that he enrolled in Islamic schools and learned about Islam from a local religious leader back in his hometown of East Belitung, Bangka Belitung, a predominantly Muslim province.

People say that I am a lot like a Muslim. What I lack is merely hidayah [the calling], he said, to which several members of the audience responded by asking why he had not already converted.

Ahok calmly answered, even the Prophet Muhammad wept as he himself was unable to convert his uncle Abu Tholib until his death, this was followed by Allah saying the calling is all Mine, he said, to which the audience responded with applause.

Raja Juli Antoni, who led the forum, said the enthusiasm expressed by the audience was a sign that society longed for honest leaders, regardless of their religious backgrounds.

Editing by Sudarto Murtaufiq

Dari (National) Nu Online: http://www.nu.or.id/post/read/55825/muslims-declare-support-for-ahok

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Kartanu provides 20% rebate for heath care costs

Jakarta, KARTANU. Nahdliyin (NU followers) having NU membership cards (Kartanu) will get a 20% rebate for their health care costs at Surabayas Islamic hospitals.

Minister of Education and Culture M. Nuh, made the remarks while opening the National Working Meeting 2013 of Maarif NU Education Institute (LP Maarif NU) at Syahida Inn Building, Sharif Hidayatullah State Islamic University, Jakarta, Monday (21/1).

Kartanu provides 20% rebate for heath care costs (Sumber Gambar : Nu Online)

Kartanu provides 20% rebate for heath care costs

"Every district in the city of Surabaya will get a special schedule that serves people who want to make Kartanu NU," said M. Nuh while presenting the 2013 curriculum development by the Department of Education and Cultuce.

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M. Nuh added that, Nahdliyin should pay the Kartanus administration expenses amounted to Rp 8000 and the process of making it would be covered live by TV 9, a local television station owned by the East Javas Regional Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PWNU).

The cards could be used by Nahdliyin to offset their health care costs at Islamic hospitals in Surabaya which have data of those who make the cards, added M. Nuh.

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The NU intellectual also called for the importance of Nahdliyin to have the cards in addition to fostering awareness of data and such awareness-raising activity could be built from an early age through educational institutions.

The literacy of data can foster scientific and critical attitudes. Because, those who are literate of data can be responsibble for their problems in addition to giving them sense of security.

Editor: Sudarto Murtaufiq

Author: Alhafiz Kurniawan

Dari (National) Nu Online: http://www.nu.or.id/post/read/41985/kartanu-provides-20-rebate-for-heath-care-costs

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