Indonesian church offers accommodation to Muslim scholars during religious congress

In a powerful display of inter-religious harmony, the Gereja Kristen Jawi Wetan (GKJW) Jemaat Jombang church in East Java is opening its doors to Muslim scholars attending the 35th Congress of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU). This initiative, part of a broader humanitarian collaboration, provides free lodging for the thousands of attendees, known as muktamirin, who are converging in Jombang for the major Islamic event.

The effort is spearheaded by Jaringan NU Kultural (JANUR) Jombang and involves a coalition of local inter-faith organizations. Alongside GKJW Jombang, other religious institutions like the Gereja Kristen Indonesia (GKI) Jombang, Badan Kerja Sama Antar Gereja (BAMAG) Jombang, and the Gudo Temple are contributing to provide essential facilities for the visiting scholars.

Achmad Soleh, a representative from GKJW Jombang, affectionately known as Kung Soleh, shared that this act of hospitality is not new for his congregation. He recalled a similar gesture during a previous NU Congress held in Jombang in 2015. This recurring support underscores a deep-rooted connection between the GKJW and NU communities, a bond that predates Indonesia's independence.

Kung Soleh explained that the relationship between the GKJW and the NU community in the Tebuireng area has been characterized by peaceful coexistence and tolerance for generations. He specifically mentioned the historical ties, noting that many residents in the village near Tebuireng Pondok Pesantren were GKJW congregants. He also fondly recalled the late KH Abdurrahman Wahid, or Gus Dur, a prominent NU leader, having taught within the GKJW community, further cementing the historical closeness.

For the current congress, GKJW Jombang has prepared comfortable accommodations, including air-conditioned rooms equipped with beds, pillows, and adequate bathroom facilities. They have also designated a space for congregational prayers. The church has welcomed guests from diverse regions across Indonesia, including participants, NU activists, academics, and journalists, reflecting the broad reach and significance of the NU congress.

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What is clear is that we have an emotional connection with our Muslim friends, and especially with NU, there is indeed a closeness for GKJW.