Bella Evanglista, Jakarta – In his inaugural address, the Chairman of Gerakan Pemuda (GP) Ansor, Addin Jauharuddin, issued a strong statement pledging to defend President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and his family against any harm.
Jauharuddin emphasized that anyone who dares to hurt the President or his family will face direct confrontation from GP Ansor, the youth wing of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia's largest Islamic organization.
"I, Addin Jauharuddin, as the Chairman of GP Ansor and the highest commander of Barisan Ansor Serbaguna (Banser), declare that President Jokowi will always be part of our extended family," he said, amidst applause from attendees at the GP Ansor 2024-2029 inauguration ceremony held at Istora Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Monday.
Banser is a paramilitary organization affiliated with GP Ansor, often known as the enforcer of Nahdlatul Ulama. Its members often participate in community service activities, disaster relief efforts,
He emphasized that hurting President Jokowi and his family would be equivalent to hurting the entire Banser Ansor family worldwide.
Addin also acknowledged the significant changes and progress achieved under President Jokowi's leadership, both within society and within Ansor.
Additionally, Addin talked about the future leadership after President Jokowi. He said he believes that under President-elect Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who is Jokowi's oldest son, the progress started by Jokowi will keep going. Prabowo will assume office in October.
The inauguration event also saw the swearing-in of the GP Ansor 2024-2029 leadership, which included prominent figures such as Recapital Group Chairman Rosan P. Roeslani, senior Gerindra Party politician Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, and former Chief Security Affairs Minister Wiranto.
During the event, President Jokowi requested to be escorted by two Banser members. Despite having his presidential security detail (Paspampres) around him, Jokowi jokingly remarked, "I also request to be escorted. The Chairman of PBNU was escorted, and the Chairman of GP Ansor was escorted, why not me?"
Subsequently, two Banser members ascended the stage to escort President Jokowi on his left and right sides.
In his speech, the President highlighted the role of GP Ansor in maintaining political stability amidst various global challenges.
"What I consider most crucial is how we can maintain political stability to prevent turbulence because it is the key to development in any country," said President Jokowi.
The President expressed his hopes that GP Ansor members will continue to work hard towards realizing the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045, where Indonesia aims to become a developed country by its 100th anniversary.
"I congratulate and wish success to all newly appointed GP Ansor leaders. I believe the new leadership of GP Ansor will continue to strengthen national unity towards the Golden Indonesia we aspire to," said the President.
Indonesian National Armed Forces Commander Agus Subiyanto, National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo, several ministers of the Indonesian Cabinet, political party leaders, and officials from the NU's Boards, as well as thousands of Banser members, attended the inauguration.