The Consultative Committee of the House of Representatives agreed Thursday to take the proposed national hero title for late former president Abdurrahman “Gus Dur” Wahid, to the House plenary session for approval next Tuesday.
National Awakening Party (PKB) chairman Marwan Ja’far, who also attended the consultative committee meeting, said that the committee unanimously accepted the proposal that Gus Dur deserved the national hero title, because of his dedication to promote pluralism and democracy.
His party was optimistic that the proposal would be accepted and approved at the upcoming plenary session.
“Our party is satisfied with the consultative committee’s decision to take the proposal to the plenary session and accept the reasons behind the proposal,” he told The Jakarta Post.
Responding to increasing demand from the public, the PKB submitted a proposal to the House leadership to have the government endow the national hero title to the late former president following the latter’s death on Dec. 30, 2009.
Political pressure has been mounting for the government to award the national hero title to Gus Dur and has set Sept. 30 as a holiday to observe pluralism in Indonesia. Meanwhile, thousands of Muslims and non-Muslims visited his grave in Jombang, to pay respect and pray for him.
Gus Dur was considered a moderate Islamic cleric and scholar in the Muslim community, especially members of the Nadhlatul Ulama (NU), for his role in reforming the largest Muslim organization during his leadership. He was grandson of NU’s cofounder, Hasjim Ashari.
Gus Dur also has a special place in the hearts of non-Muslims for his advocacy to minority groups and their rights.
Meanwhile, the executive director of the Wahid Institute, Ahmad Suaedy, said his institution had planned a book publication and discussions to remember Gus Dur and communicate his ideas to the people.
“We are seeking input from numerous areas, including mass media, NGOs and religious institutions, on how to disseminate and implement Gus Dur’s concept of pluralism in society,” he said during a discussion with the Post.
He also said President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and the national hero team should consider not only mounting political pressure, but Gus Dur’s dedication to the nation and national unity.
Gus Dur was sworn in as president in November 1999, replacing Habibie. He was impeached by the People’s Consultative Assembly for constitutional infringements and replaced by vice president Megawati Soekarnoputri.
