One million candles lighted to commemorate the death of Gus Dur

Kupang, NU Online
To commemorate the fourth year of death of former president KH Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid, people in East Nusa Tenggara consisting of various ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds lighted a million candles for Gus Dur at the Subasuka Paradise yard at 18:30 on Monday (30/12).<>

The one-million lighted candle action was held to commemorate the the death of Gus Dur  known as the smiling cleric and a champion of pluralism for defending any diversity in Indonesia. 

The action was supported by a number of associations such as the Indonesian Chinese Clans Social Community (PSMTI) of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Flobamora Youth Guard of NTT, the National Guard and the National Renewal Forum (FKP) of NTT.

"Gus Dur is Indonesian citizen who is to be proud of. Because, during his lifetime Gus Dur really positioned himself as the Father of the Nation and the Teacher of the Nation," said Secretary OF PSMTI David Kenenbudi here on Saturday (28/12).

Gus Dur, continued David, was able to strengthen the unity of the Indonesian people regardless of race, religion, and any social backgorund.

David hoped that the public could participate in the action. "This action is open to anyone. Because, we are all the same, Indonesian citizens."

Meanwhile, Jalaluddin Rahmat, the chairman of the consultative council of the Indonesian Ahlul Bait Association (IJABI) that represents minority Shia Muslims, who is also one of the speakers in a meeting to commemorate the death of Gus Dur least year said that religious intolerance in Indonesia would not have increased as it has in recent years if the late president was still alive.

“Gus Dur told us to pay our respects to Muslims. If Gus Dur were still around today, the Shia-Sunni conflict in Sampang would have been resolved quickly, as we know that NU was very vocal regarding the conflict,” Jalaludin said.

Jalaludin was referring to the majority Sunni Muslims who went on a fatal rampage in Sampang in Madura, East Java, in August, burning the homes of Shiite Muslims, leaving hundreds homeless.

“The difference between NU during the leadership of Gus Dur and after his death, is that the current organization is facing the absence of leader who can unite all of NU ulemas all over the country,” he added.

Saleh Daulay, who chairs the youth wing of Muhammadiyah, the nation’s second largest social organization, remembered the late president as a fearless defender of pluralism. 

He said that up until now there has been no leader with the influence of Gus Dur.

“The escalation in intolerance conflicts in this country are in line with euphoria over the freedom of expression. During the New Order, Soeharto was very authoritarian and powerful, and therefore he could stabilize the country,” Saleh said.

“The current conflicts basically could be condemned by influential and strong community leaders. Gus Dur, with his capacity as a national leader, was listened to by everybody,” according to Saleh.

“There are several leaders that have the same power as Gus Dur, but unlike Gus Dur they prefer to remain silent and do not want to take risks like Gus Dur did,” Saleh told The Jakarta Post.

Although Gus Dur died on Dec. 30, 2009, organizers decided to commemorate this death on the International Day of Peace, saying that the late president was a symbol of peace in the country.

Editing by Sudarto Murtaufiq