NU traditons protect people from hegemonic power

Jakarta, NU Online
Tradition is believed to be a strong fortress to protect its followers from any possible hegemonic power. How strong the power is, it will not able to hegemonize those who firmly adhere to tradition for they could both maintain and preserve their long-standing traditional values ​​in its all instruments, myths, and ceremonial traditions.<>

"NU with more than 21 different traditions has a strong resistance against the onslaught of power. For example, thanks to tradition, NU could not be controlled by the New Order. I do believe NU is also able to overcome the entrenched global intervention," Daniel Sparingga, on the sidelines of a discussion held at the NU headquarters here on Tuesday (10/7).

Present also at the occassion were general chairman of the Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) KH Said Aqil Sirajd, KH Tolchah Hasan and Ahmad Bagja. The monthly discussion took up issues on NU and globalization.

In the era of globalization, Sparingga added, all cities in the world were almost similar. "In any city, there must be a mall. Shopping centers have become new spiritual spaces in addition to being worship places. Without it, global men will feel almost impossible."

According to Sparingga, in addition to having made any progress, human beings have also experienced a paradox, contradiction, dilemma, uniform, and felt isolated. In other words, citizens of the globalized world have lost their identity.

Individuality of human beings could rise sharply. Social spirit has been put aside for being strongly driven by their devotion to market lofty values, efficiency, production, and competition. Their facial features are also likely to change. They have become Indonesia's globalized citizens in which their face has been fully littered with such conditions as restlessness, anxiety, and uncertainty, Sparingga said.

In this context, he said, NU had a remarkable vision. With a wealth of tradition, NU would 'flow through and wet the man having been hit by a drought' in this global era.


Writer: Alhafiz Kurniawan 
Editor : Sudarto Murtaufiq