CNN Indonesia
Saturday, 25 March 2023 13:34 WIB
Former PBNU chairman Said Aqil Siradj stated that the rejection of Israel was non-negotiable. (CNN Indonesia/Hesti Rika)
Jakarta, CNNIndonesia —
Former General Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) Said Aqil Siradj categorically rejected the presence of the national team Israel in the U-20 World Cup event which will take place in Indonesia.
According to him, the rejection of Israel is non-negotiable, because it has been stated in the Al-Qur’an. Said said the rejection of Israel’s presence was also emphasized by many kiai.
“I personally and there are many clerics like me, reject the arrival of Israel. That’s the Koran. The Koran. We are humans, who can we go against the Koran. It has verses,” said Said in Jakarta, Saturday (25/3).
He added that this rejection is a form of consistency in Indonesia’s alignment with Palestine, as an Islamic country that is in conflict with Israel.
“Every day killing Palestinians, do we want to accompany people like that. This is our side with Palestine,” he said.
A number of regional heads, community organizations, and religious organizations have expressed their rejection of the Israeli national team’s arrival at the U-20 World Cup. The sports event is planned to be held in six provinces, including DKI Jakarta, South Sumatra, West Java, Central Java, East Java and Bali.
Several officials and party officials rejected the presence of the Israeli national team in Indonesia. Some of them are Governor of Central Java Ganjar Pranowo, Governor of Bali I Wayan Koster, PDI Perjuangan, PKS, to the 212 Alumni Brotherhood.
Meanwhile, PBNU Chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf or Gus Yahya questioned a number of parties who objected to the presence of the Israeli national team in the U-20 World Cup which will take place from May to June. Yahya emphasized that their presence would not harm Palestine.
“If we only reject Israel, ‘Don’t come!’ After sleeping, what’s the use for Palestine? There’s no point either,” Yahya said at the Jakarta Presidential Palace, Friday (24/3).
He preferred to increase Indonesia’s position in the eyes of the world football organization (FIFA) rather than participate in rejecting the arrival of the U-20 Israel National Team.
“We are developing Indonesia’s positioning through this FIFA so that we really have an increased moral position to continue to articulate the direction of a Palestinian solution,” said Yahya, who has visited Israel and the Jewish community several times on the peace mission.
Chief Expert Staff Office of the President (KSP) Ali Mochtar Ngabalin asked all parties not to mix sports and politics.
He asked all parties to see this issue clearly. He stressed again that Indonesia had not abandoned its attitudes and thoughts in fighting for the sovereign rights of a Palestinian state even though it was hosting the U-20 World Cup which was attended by Israel.
“Never let anyone mix up affairs sport in this case the U-20 World Cup with political affairs,” said Ngabalin in a video broadcast on CNN Indonesia TV.
(ryh/pmg)
