Islamic Leader Calls for People to Unite Again

Jakarta (Antara) - An Islamic leader has called on the people to reunite as the presidential election has been over. "It is time now for the Indonesian people to unite again. It will not be good if political differences turn into horizontal conflicts," KH Said Aqil Siroj, the general chairman of one of Indonesia's largest Islamic organizations, the Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), said here on Thursday. Aqil said the conclusion of political campaigns and direct election must be followed by development of peace, tranquility, and brotherhood among fellow citizens in the framework of nationhood. "It is time for us to rebuild harmony and maintain tolerance and peace. The principle is that as fellow citizens we must restore our brotherhood," he said. The executive board of PBNU has urged all mass media to play an active role in creating a conducive atmosphere to prevent protraction of potential conflict after the election, he said. PBNU expressed appreciation to all citizens for their participation in the election on July 9, which was historic, as it has proved that the Indonesian people are capable of practicing politics elegantly and in a healthy, civil, and smart manner. "Politics not only belongs to the elite group but also every citizen," he remarked. With regard to the election results, he called on all sides to wait for the official announcement by the General Elections Commission (KPU) on July 22. "We appreciate the contribution of survey institutions to democracy, but based on the law, KPU's count will be used to determine the winner," he said. In this connection, PBNU called on the KPU to conduct the recapitulation honestly based on its mandate and duty. "Announce who has won and who has lost honestly, based on valid and accountable data," he said. Several survey institutes have declared that Joko Widodo-Jusuf Kalla duo had won the election, but still others have claimed its rival Prabowo Subianto-Hatta Rajasa pair had won. (*) Reported by Sigit Pinardi