PBNU: Banser Members Victims of Infiltration, Provocation

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The executive board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) lamented the burning of a black flag bearing Arabic letters Tawheed committed by the NU`s youth wing Banser (Barisan Ansor Serbaguna) in Garut, West Java.

“Members of Banser become victims of provocation and infiltration, by burning the flag of HTI [Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia] without complying with the set SOP. PBNU laments the burning flag case,” said Said Aqil Siroj, PBNU chairman, in the PBNU building, Central Jakarta, Wednesday, Oct 24.

Read: Flag Burning an Isolated Case, Not Politically Motivated 

Said Aqil explained the fact-finding team established by PBNU reported the flag of the disbanded organization were raised and installed in almost all West Java regions, including Sumedang, Kuningan, Ciamis, Banjar, Bandung, Tasikmalaya, and others.

“In Tasikmalaya, I and Pak Wiranto witness the act. That means there is a systemic effort to conduct infiltration and provocation during the ceremony of the 2018 National Santri Day,” he added.

Said Aqil considered the act of Banser members was based on their love for the country. Thus, no basis of personal or community hatred, let alone religious harassment or defamation.

Read: Police Burned Flag with Arabic Writing an HTI Flag 

“Due to the fact, Ansor Youth Movement central board makes a right action based on the organization regulation and system. The loving spirit for the country is the main foundation to prevent acts which attempt to replace the constitution and form of state,” he underlined.

As reported earlier, Banser members burnt the black flag that had a written Tawheed script in Arabic during the ceremony of National Santri Day in Limbangan, Garut-West Java Province, on Oct 22. The short video went viral on social media and sparked public controversy.

AQIB SOFWANDI