Ahead of NU's 35th Congress, Kiai Asep Urges Second-Century Leadership to Stay Rooted in Pesantren
Ahead of NU's 35th Congress at Pondok Pesantren Bahrul Ulum Tambakberas, Jombang, in late August 2026, clerics underscore the importance of keeping NU's leadership rooted in pesantren. In a Public Dialogue titled 'Transformation of Nahdlatul Ulama's Leadership Orientation in the Second Century' in Surabaya on Wednesday (12/8), Kiai Asep Saifuddin Chalim reminded that the congress should be a moment for evaluation, not just a change of leadership.
Kiai Asep stated, 'NU must be controlled by the ulama, not managed by a handful of young people who then steer the congress with injustices.' He also emphasized that NU is 'the big house of pesantren' established by major pesantren with their figures, predominantly Syuriyah.
NU's transformation, Kiai Asep said, should not abandon the organization's character and traditions, but rather continue the founders' aspirations and respond to society's problems. He mentioned NU's two initial foundations: the struggle for Indonesian independence and the development of Ahlussunnah wal Jamaah Islam in pesantren. Now, the challenge is ensuring independence brings real benefits.
Chair of Pokja Grahadi Journalists Fatimartuzzahroh stated this dialogue is part of the press's contribution in welcoming the congress, hoping the thoughts of East Java's ulama are widely conveyed. The forum was attended by around 60 journalists and representatives of student organizations and NU's autonomous bodies.
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