Jakarta, NU Online
The Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) expressed disappoinment with the Palace Protocol for not providing special time for general chairman of PBNU to deliver a speech at a commemoration to celebrate the 78th anniversary of Ansor Youth Movement (GP Ansor) at Manahan Stadium, Solo, Central Java, on Monday (16/7).<>

The absence of PBNU general chairman's speech is of course not in accordance with the prevailing tradition within the Indonesia's largest Muslim organization. Because after all, the PBNU general chairman was supposed to give a speech at any event held by NU autonomous bodies, such as GP Ansor.

"The commemoration last night was very well organized, good and great. Only there was no speech by general chairman of PBNU and and this has violated NU (long-standing) traditions," chairman of PBNU Slamet Effendy Yusuf said here on Tuesday (17/7).

The highlight of the Ansor 78th anniversary was attended by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Central Java Governor Bibit Waluyo. In addition, there were also board members at all levels and tens of thousands of Banser members. 

After knowing there was no time given by the organizing committee to general chairman of PBNU, Slamet tried to find confirmation of the NU board members, steering committee, and Ansor board members. The result, KH Said Aqil Siroj otherwise could not give speech due to the will of the Palace Protocol.

"I've checked all my friends, yes indeed there should be (the general chairman's speech), but this was the will of the Palace Protocol. General chairman (of PBNU) was present in the NU autonomous body's national event and he was there, why was he not given the opportunity to give a speech," Slamet said.

Given this event, Slamet did expect the Palace Protocol to wisely respect the NU traditions and standard operating prosedures (SOP) in an organization. Never let the presence of president reduce the local wisdom and emerging traditions.

"My hope in the future, the president's speech and mandate should not reduce standard usually used in the NU. President's attendence at a NU autonomous body's event is part of his existence in the midst of the people," Slamet said, adding his presence must not reduce the SOP and traditions at the NU environment, where general chairman of PBNU used to give a speech.

Writer : Nabil Haroen
Editor : Sudarto Murtaufiq