The Jakarta Post
The 40-million-strong Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) vowed Thursday it would play a leading role in the fight against extremism and terrorism. NU chief Hasyim Muzadi said the largest moderate Muslim organization would formulate strategic programs to achieve the goal in its congress in Makassar, South Sulawesi from March 22 through 27.Speaking at a seminar, Hasyim said that despite appearing calm, predominantly Muslim Indonesia is fertile ground for terrorism.He said that radicals launch attacks as a way to fight global injustices and, in Indonesia, it is developing into a war of ideologies. “The congress will discuss the role of NU and its clerics in making the majority Muslims practise true Islamic teachings. Muslims have to be able to institutionalize the Islamic values and become good citizens in the plural society,” he said. NU wants to cooperate with the country’s second largest M...