TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Gerindra Party Chairman Prabowo Subianto mentioned that he would prefer his future running-mate for the 2019 presidential election to be an individual that is accepted by the Nahdalatul Ulama (NU) crowd. 

“It is inconceivable for me to choose a vice presidential candidate that is not accepted by the NU,” said NU executive board Robikin Emhas yesterday, who reiterated Prabowo Subianto’s words. 

On Monday, the chairman of Indonesia’s opposition party visited the PBNU headquarters and was welcomed by PBNU Chairman, Deputy, Executive, and other NU higher-ups. 

During the visit, Prabowo Subianto handed over a book he wrote entitled ‘Paradox Indonesia’ to PBNU Chairman Said Aqil Siroj.  According to Robikin, Prabowo expressed his gladness towards the NU community who Prabowo deemed,” Undoubtedly committed towards the nation and a peaceful Islam.” 

Furthermore, Said Aqil appreciated the visit and maintained that Prabowo’s intentions were not based on political reasons, rather just to conduct ‘silaturahmi’ (communal togetherness) but is always open if it turns into a ‘silatulamal’ (partnership). 

During the meeting with Prabowo Subianto, Said Aqil blatantly assessed that PBNU will always abide by the legal constitution, which includes governance.  He maintained that NU has a bleak past when notable NU figure Abdurrahman Wahid was stripped of his presidency based on baseless reasons. 

ANTARA