Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) will nominate Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah Muslim organisations for consideration for the Nobel Peace Prize. This emerged in the international seminar, Indonesia’s Islam at Global Stage: Inspiration for World Peace, on Friday (25/1) at Senate Hall UGM.
Rector of UGM, Prof. Ir. Panut Mulyono, M.Eng., D.Eng., said NU and Muhammadiyah had contributed significantly to the process of transition and consolidation of democracy in Indonesia. This was observable in the effort for peace building through its works in various areas of life such as education, health, social welfare, philanthropy, disaster, social issues and democracy.
“NU and Muhammadiyah have played their roles for peace building in Indonesia and international community and these have benefitted the world communities,” he explained.
Panut said UGM was always committed to developing and nurturing peace and democratic values in Indonesia and the world. Hence, UGM supports NU and Muhammadiyah to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
“UGM will officially nominate NU and Muhammadiyah because the two organisations have contributed to peace building works in Indonesia and the world,” he said.
Currently, through its Centre for Security and Peace Studies, UGM is preparing documents for such nomination. Preparations is also made by anthropology professor from Boston University, Prof. Robert W. Hefner, who has submitted the documents on NU and Muhammadiyah to Nobel Prize committee.
Chairman of the Centre, Najib Azca, said the proposal for the Nobel Prize nomination of NU and Muhammadiyah was made on the basis that both were assessed as having significant roles in democratisation process in Indonesia. Not only do they develop religious arguments that are in line with democratic values and civil society enhancement, but also active roles in peace building at national and international levels. Both are also able to reflect the friendly face of Islam and nurture diversity in Indonesia.