President Prabowo highlights NU founders' vision for a respected, just, and prosperous Indonesia

President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that the core aspiration of Nahdlatul Ulama's (NU) founders was to foster a nation that is respected, just, and prosperous. Speaking at the opening of the 35th NU Congress in Jombang, East Java, Prabowo pointed to the song 'Syubbanul Wathan' as a testament to this early nationalist sentiment.

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The founders' aspirations for NU were for the Indonesian nation to rise, to be equal with other nations in the world, so that when the Indonesian nation rises, it means the Indonesian nation is respected, a respected nation is a just and prosperous nation.

He noted that the song, composed by KH Abdul Wahab Chasbullah, predates Indonesia's 1945 independence by many years. Prabowo highlighted this as strong evidence of the profound nationalistic spirit among pesantren scholars long before the nation's formal establishment. The lyrics, he quoted, express a deep love for the homeland and a call for the nation to rise with dignity.

Prabowo expressed his gratitude for the honor of addressing the congress, clarifying that he did not organize or have deep knowledge of its proceedings. He reiterated NU's significant historical contributions to Indonesia's struggle for independence, underscoring the patriotic and nationalist fervor embedded in 'Syubbanul Wathan,' even though it originated from a religious group.

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What is interesting for all of us, especially the younger generation, is that this song was created by KH Abdul Wahab Chasbullah more than a decade before the proclamation of independence.

The President elaborated that the founders' vision was for Indonesia to rise and stand as an equal among nations, a nation characterized by honor, justice, and prosperity. He believes this vision continues to be relevant for the nation's development and identity.

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I certainly express my gratitude for the great honor given to me as the 8th President of the Republic of Indonesia to be present at the 35th Muktamar. I did not organize all of this, nor do I understand it.