NU proposes SOB to be implemented partiele opheffing

Since the implementation of the Staat van Oorlog en Beleg (SOB) or the law on 'state of danger' and 'state of war' (UUKB) on 14 March 1957 following the military rebellions in such regions as West Sumatera, North Sumatera and South Sumatera, the nation's political life has not run normally anymore.

Ironically the state of danger was not put into effect in Sumatera but also in all regions in Indonesia. At this point, NU considers the (military) operation led by Col. Simbolon and Let Col. Ahmad Husein  who are thirst for power made the national political life run in emergency and full of anxiety and worry.<>

The security officials in charge of the emergency authority often felt free to act beyond legal channels. Even more, since Masyumi and PSI involved in the regional rebellions in February 1958 and later established the Revolutionary State of the Republic of Indonesia (PRRI), the implementation of the UUKB seemed to be more strictly. It was not only felt by the rebels but also felt by all Indonesians. All activities of political parties and mass organizations were controlled by the military ruler. Any preaching activity was also restricted. Many political figures were detained for being accused of doing corruption or subversion and even scores of NU men were the victims of slander and false arrest.

For NU, the emergency conditions did disturb the freedom of politics  as well as social and cultural creativity. That's why, many NU board members in regions conveyed their complaints in regard with the terrible conditions.

Following the demands, the Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) through its men in the Supreme Advisory Council (DPA), namely KH Wahab Chasbullah and KH Idham Chalid told the Soekarno-chaired DPA not to reinstate the state of emergency nationally. Rather it should be reinstated definitely (partiele opheffing) especially in vulnerable regions. When the situation in the regions was relatively secure the status of UUKB should be reduced gradually (graduele opheffing) to normalize the social and political life.

The PBNU's proposal was warmly welcomed by the DPA to be materialized by the Dewan Cabinet by issuing a new government regulation No 23/1959 on the 'state of danger'. As a result, the social and political life got stable. Soekarno himself was very impressed with the middle way proposed by NU to deal with the state of emergency and would call on military forces to reduce the state of danger. It is clear that the political attitudes of NU were not confrontative and did not let anything happen without control. But NU remained critical so that any existing idea and effort to improving political system was received by the authorities especially Soekarno himself.

From this, as setting up a Working Cabinet, President Soekarno was inspired to soon initiate the Minister of Alim Ulema Communication for considering that the ulema could give such brilliant and creative ideas so that the government would always be in need of their advises. This information was delivered by Boekarno himself as opening the 22nd congress (Muktamar) of NU in 1959. (Abdul Mun’im DZ)