Chairman of MPR RI: Ulama had struggled for Indonesian’s Independence

TIMESINDONESIA, JAKARTA – Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) RI Zulkifli Hasan asserted, Indonesia's independence is the result of the struggle and sacrifice of the Ulama (scholars). That is evidenced by the number of Ulama who become heroes, such as Prince of Diponegoro, Imam Bonjol, KH. Ahmad Dahlan, KH. Hasyim Asy'ari and the others.

"Unfortunately, after Indonesia is free from colonialism, the role of the ulama is marginalized, the Ulama only take care of religious matters but they aren't allowed to engage in political, economic and cultural issues," he said at the opening ceremony of Ijtima Ulama event held at Menara Peninsula Hotel, Jakarta on Friday (27/7/2018).

Advertisement

As a result the Indonesian nation is slumped, natural wealth is controlled only by a handful of people. Inequality occurs, foreign workers continue to grow, while unemployment also can't be reduced. "We are colonized again, but this time by modern colonization," added Zulkifli Hasan.

Luckily, Zulkifli said, the reformation movement has opened the chance of Ulama involvement in the field of economy, politics and culture. Reformation also opens up opportunities for the community, to participate in determining their own leaders.

"Unfortunately the power of Muslim is so great, it has not been able to be converted into a political power that can benefit for people, we must be unite in order to fight for the interests of the people, so the key is unity," Zulkifli added.

Therefore, the man who is also as Chairman of the PAN hopes, Ijtima Ulama event can unite Muslims who are in difference. And unite Muslims with nationality, so it can be in line.

"Unity is not only for the interest of the regional election and the presidential election, but the unity is to fight for the achievement of baldatun toyyibatun wa robbun Ghofur, namely a fertile, prosperous, fair and secure country," said Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly Zulkifli Hasan in the opening ceremony of Ijtima Ulama event last night. (*)

**) Ikuti berita terbaru TIMES Indonesia di Google News klik link ini dan jangan lupa di follow.