Hasyim: Govt should play more prominent role in Palestine

Jakarta, NU Online
Indonesia's largest Muslim organization, the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), has called on the government to provide greater support for Palestinians.

General Chairman of the Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) KH Hasyim Muzadi on Thursday (15/5) said the government should seek more effective ways to support the Palestinian cause, as there is still room for progress.<>

"Despite the (geographical) distance between Indonesia and Palestine, as well as other constraints, the government still has an opportunity to step up its assistance, including providing political support," he said at the sidelines of a University of Indonesia-sponsored international conference on Palestine.

He was of view the government should cooperate with Muslim leaders in the country.

Hasyim said Indonesia should not hesitate projecting its identity as a global actor and be more vocal in advocating the country's belief on self-determination.

"The country should not hesitate as it is a legal principle," he was quoted by Antara news agency as saying.

Hasyim has also criticized the Organization of Islamic Conference(OIC) for its lack of support for the Palestinian cause.

He added that the NU would help organize the third international conference of world Muslim scholars to win more support for Palestine and Muslims the world over who face similar plights. (dar)