TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Nahdlatul Ulama Central Board (PBNU) plans to appoint Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo as Indonesia’s Father of Lenong (Jakarta’s traditional folk plays). PBNU chairman Said Aqil Siradj said the appointment was attributable to the former Surakarta mayor’s significant contribution to the nation's world of art and culture.
"Therefore, we are planning to stage a cultural performance at the National Monument (Monas) at the end of September,” Aqil said at the City Hall on Monday, August 19, 2013. The performance will feature Jokowi as the main star.
Aqil said this event was the expression of gratitude of the Nahdliyin (NU followers) towards the performance of the Jakarta city administration under Jokowi as well as to preserve the nation’s cultural values.
Aqil said the general concept of the event was to combine cultural values with Islamic traditions. But, he added, it did not mean that it was enjoyable exclusively to Muslims. “We present this event to the public in general to foster their love towards the nation’s culture.”
Aqil has yet to give any hint related to this event, but he assured the event would be a huge surprise.
SYAILENDRA
