Kang Said: NU and police have long collaborated with each other

Surabaya, NU Online
Both NU and the police have long collaborated with one another through the signing of MoUs. At the grassroot level there has been a strong synergy between NU and the police. NU has clerics have always taught peace and fortitude in the surrounding communities. While police are mandated as security guards to protect and serve the people.

General Chairman of NU KH Said Aqil Siroj, popularly known as Kang Said, made the remarks in the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in cooperation with the Police at the Mahameru building, East Java's Police Headquarters in Surabaya, on Thursday (1/9). The signing was made by himself and National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian.

"NU and police have long collaborated (with one another). NU has long relationship with the Police and the signing could be said such an informal marriage," Kang Said joked.

According to him, when there are issues in the community, the (NU) clerics or local community leaders have never acted by themselves, they must report to the police.

"Even, the police also asked community leaders to prevent social conflict in the society," Kang Said added.

In addition, Kiai Said urged the police to investigate some 20 pesantren allegedly involved in propagating extreme teachings, including those who perceive others as heretical.

"If all this is put aside, there will be new seeds of radicalism, because they think that murdering heretics is permissible," said Kiai Said before some 700 attendees.

Therefore, he added, NU and the Police must thank the village clerics and leaders for their contribution in making Indonesia safe, calm, and peaceful and for they never teach hatred, instead of making bombs.

"If there is a dispute, the clerics asked those involved in it to soon shake hands," Kang Said added. (Rof Maulana/Masdar)