Gus Dur’s Haul death anniversary in Batu, Humanity Must Be Above Politics

The Gusdurian Network in Batu held an event to commemorate the 9th anniversary of the death of Gus Dur at the Ngaglik Village Hall, Batu Subdistrict (1/20). The event was held to preserve the humanitarian values inherited by the fourth Indonesian president.

The Gus Dur’s haul event was attended by Gusdurian activists of Batu City, the Interfaith Communication Forum (FKUB), organizations, women’s groups from the neighborhood and Mayor of Batu City Dewanti Rumpoko.

The Gus Dur’s death commemoration with the theme “What is More Important than Politics is Humanity” was filled with dances, poetry readings, and Syi’ir Tanpo Waton. Some of the dances performed were Remo, Nias, Ambonese and even Sufi dances. Completing the series of events, a number of religious leaders also gave testimonials and monologues about Gus Dur.

"Gus Dur's thinking is eternal even though he has left us," said Haris El Mahdi, Coordinator of the Gusdurian Network in Batu City. Mayor of Batu Dewanti Rumpoko also gave a testimonial about Gus Dur, which she summarized in a piece of poetry, “Kotaku bernama Batu. Dulu sepi, saiki yo mengharu biru. Ketika masyarakat berseteru, Gusdurianlah menjadi pemersatu (My city called Batu. It used to be quiet, now it is chaotic. When the community clashes, Gusdurians become the unifier).”

Interfaith prayers were conducted to close the Gus Dur's haul, which created solemn ambience. "The present haul theme is extraordinary and in accordance with the political year we are currently facing, What Is More Important Than Politics Is Humanity, hopefully this haul event can inspire us to appreciate diversity," said Siti Yulaikah (46), a local facilitator for Lavender women’s group assisted by the Wahid Foundation in Sidomulyo Peace Village, who attended the event.

By Ester Pandiangan