President Jokowi Attends Inauguration of PBNU Management for 2022-2027 Period, Commemoration of 96th Anniversary of NU
President Jokowi delivers his remarks during the Inauguration of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) for the 2022-2027 period and the 96th Anniversary of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) at the Balikpapan Sport and Convention Center in East Kalimantan province (01/31) (Photo by: PR of Cabinet Secretariat/Rahmat)
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and Vice President Ma’ruf Amin Monday (01/31) attended the Inauguration of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) for the 2022-2027 period and the Commemoration of 96th Anniversary of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) at the Balikpapan Sport and Convention Center in East Kalimantan province.
“First and foremost, on behalf of the Indonesian Government and nation, I would like to congratulate all members of the Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama for the 2022-2027 period under Supreme Leader (Rais Aam) of PBNU Kiai Haji Miftachul Akhyar and Chairperson of PBNU Kiai Haji Yahya Cholil Staquf,” President Jokowi said in his remarks.
On that occasion, the Head of State expressed his appreciation to Indonesia’s largest Islamic organization, NU, for its contribution in safeguarding the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia and preserving the noble values of state ideology Pancasila, adding that, the NU also keeps promoting religious moderation, tolerance, and nationalism.
The President further said that the NU has shown the world the friendly, peaceful face of Islam, Indonesia and shown that religion and culture can coexist and complement each other.
“All of these things have made Indonesia a nation that is unity in diversity and a pilot for other countries. Once again, on behalf of the Indonesian people, nation, and state, I would like to express my gratitude to all Kyais, Nyais (female leaders) and the big NU family for today’s, future’s contribution,” President Jokowi added.
According to the President, the NU has enormous power to contribute to both Indonesia and the world considering the huge number of NU members and organization networks throughout Indonesia and abroad.
The President also said that the NU is the country’s huge potential. Through, he continued, the important role of the leaders who guide the people and the contribution of NU members in professional, entrepreneurship, and technology sectors, it will make the NU more diverse in facing the changing world.
The NU, President Jokowi added, has large organization networks in all provinces, regencies, cities, even districts and subdistricts. While abroad, in more than 100 countries, he continued, the number of NU members has significantly increased.
If the NU can optimize its potential, the President further said, it will be involved in implementing national strategic agendas so that it can be a huge potential power to accelerate problem solving on nation and humanity.
Furthermore, President Jokowi said that the current world situation demands new creative ways to survive. Rapid changes due to the industrial revolution and COVID-19 pandemic also demand innovative ways to survive so that modernization, digitalization, and automation can be avoided.
To that end, he continued, it is important to provide, facilitate opportunity for the millennial, Gen-Z generation of NU members including youth NU members working in creative industry, technology industry, or working at big international companies to perform and play an important role in the development of the new Indonesia.
In order to support the innovations, the Head of State said that it is important for the NU to have effective center of incubator for innovation. It is also expected that the NU has strong venture capital that can achieve Sovereign Wealth Fund so that the NU has strength to funding priority programs and innovative programs.
According to the President, all will be part of further strengthening of the NU’s independence and social entrepreneurship and become an important part of the transformation policy that is being carried out by the Government, especially sustainable and inclusive green transformation, digital transformation of the economy, and the increase of MSMEs level.
During the inauguration, the signing of the MoUs between the PBNU and Ministry of the Environment and Forestry on the Recovery, Preservation, and Utilization of Forest and Environmental Resources, as well as between the PBNU and Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of the Republic of Indonesia on Building Synergy for Marine and Fisheries Programs was carried out. (FID/AIT/ST) (AP/MUR)
