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Abdurrahman Wahid (also known as Gus Dur) (born September 7, 1940) is an Indonesian Muslim religious and political leader who served as the (fourth) President of Indonesia from 1999 to 2001. The long-time president of the Nahdlatul Ulama and the founder of the National Awakening Party (PKB), Wahid was the first elected president of Indonesia after the fall of the Suharto regime in 1998.[1]
A Muslim scholar and political moderate who supports separation of religion and state and rights for women and minorities, Wahid became head of Nahdlatul Ulama, a social-welfare and educational institution and Indonesia’s largest Islamic organization, in 1984. In poor health, almost blind, and noted for unpredictability and indecisiveness, he was nonetheless an extremely popular figure when he was elected president by opponents of Megawati Sukarnoputri.[2]
Educated in Indonesia, Egypt, Iraq and Canada, the frail leader has long had a reputation for tolerance and moderate politics.
As the Suharto government eventually crumbled there were increasingly vocal calls for Islam to be given a greater political role in the Indonesian state.
But in spite of his own conservative nature Mr Wahid has consistently opposed any such moves.
Mr Wahid has resisted calls for increased Islamisation of politics.
His stance has brought him criticism from Islamic circles but earned him the respect of many non-Muslims throughout Indonesia, including the country’s Christian and ethnic Chinese communities which he sees as vital for the national economy.
That popularity was given a boost in February when Mr Wahid withdrew Suharto-era laws banning the Chinese community from openly celebrating the lunar new year. [3]
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[1] Wikipedia
[2] The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition
[3] BBC NEWS
October 9, 2008 at 5:56 am
poor guy…
December 31, 2009 at 4:20 am
[...] plays a pivotal role in making Indonesia’s Islam known for its tolerance. Even NYS says so. Abdurrahman Wahid, the eccentric, nearly blind Muslim cleric who served for almost two turbulent years as [...]