Nahdlatul Ulama Figure Praises Anies Baswedan and Cak Imin’s Partnership Ahead of Presidential Election

Nahdlatul Ulama Figure Praises Anies Baswedan and Cak Imin’s Partnership Ahead of Presidential Election

As the anticipation builds up for the upcoming presidential election in Indonesia, Muhammad Abdurrahman al-Kautsar, widely known as Gus Kautsar, a leading figure within the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), shares his perspective on the partnership of Anies Baswedan and Cak Imin, or AMIN.

Support for Anies Baswedan

In a recent interview, Gus Kautsar expressed his admiration for Anies Baswedan, a potential presidential candidate, particularly for his decision to select a NU representative as his vice-presidential candidate. He described Baswedan as an intellectual and courteous individual who respects the elder clerics of East Java.

According to Kautsar, Anies Baswedan is not the only candidate who has shown respect to the elder clerics. The same gesture has been displayed by Prabowo Subianto and Ganjar Pranowo. However, he emphasized that the final decision to endorse a candidate lies with the Masyayikh, who are the senior scholars of NU.

A Bright Future for Indonesia

Kautsar revealed his belief that all the potential presidential candidates, including Prabowo Subianto, Ganjar Pranowo, and Anies Baswedan, represent the best interests of the nation. He expressed hope that the elected president in 2024 will usher in a prosperous era for the Republic of Indonesia. He also cautioned against any form of negative campaign or disparaging remarks among supporters of different candidates, emphasizing that every candidate has been filtered from a population of 280 million Indonesian citizens, making them each remarkable in their own right.

Nahdlatul Ulama’s Role in Politics

Nahdlatul Ulama, with its vast network of Islamic boarding schools or pesantrens, plays a significant role in shaping the political landscape of Indonesia. The organization, which boasts approximately 40 million members, is regarded as the backbone of the country’s moderate Islam and has historically had a significant influence on political decisions. The endorsement of NU can, therefore, be seen as a significant boost for any candidate.

Final Thoughts

While the senior scholars of the NU will ultimately decide who to endorse, the words of Gus Kautsar provide some insight into the thinking within the organization. Regardless of which candidate is chosen, Kautsar’s comments suggest that the NU is looking for a candidate who respects their values and can lead the nation towards prosperity. As the presidential election draws closer, the nation waits with bated breath to see who the next leader will be. In the words of Gus Kautsar, “Whoever becomes the president, God willing, will bring benefits to Indonesia.”