Jakarta – The advisory council of the Nahdlatul Ulama central leadership board has called on the organization's members to refrain from participating in a rally planned for Saturday (11/02).

Ma'ruf Amin, who leads the advisory council, said he supports Banten Police chief Brig. Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo in his call to Banten residents not to join the protest dubbed as the "112 rally."

"On behalf of the advisory council, I urge all NU members to refrain from joining the 112 rally," he said during a meeting between the NU and National Police leaders in Serang, Banten, on Wednesday.

Ma'ruf, who is also the chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council, or MUI, has called on all clerics to safeguard their congregations from deviated teachings that create radical movements.

"[Members of the] Nahdlatul Ulama should love, care and have compassion for all," he said. He also advised all to avoid divisional disputes and cooperate with the government for the sake of the unity of Indonesia.

Ma'ruf also praised National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian for engaging with the ulema to handle the current tensions in the country.

Source: http://jakartaglobe.id/news/maruf-amin-calls-nu-members-not-join-saturdays-rally/