NU Members Rally, Grapple with Ancient Precedents Amid Leadership Discussions
Jakarta, Indonesia – November 6, 2025, 15:10:33 WIB – Internal deliberations within Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia’s largest independent Muslim association, have sparked a surge of member engagement as discussions surrounding leadership transitions and constitutional procedures intensify. A recent exchange revealed tensions between differing viewpoints regarding the appropriate mechanisms for addressing leadership requests, highlighting a potential disconnect between current actions and the organization’s historical framework.
The debate centers on a request-initially unconnected to Abu Hasan-that was brought forward and afterward reframed by Konbes KPPNU,a rival NU management group proposed by Abu Hasan,as a call for an Unusual Congress (MLB). This shift occurred after Abdurrahman Wahid, widely known as Gus Dur, indicated his willingness to step down constitutionally through the established MLB process. The situation underscores a broader challenge within NU: balancing immediate political considerations with adherence to established organizational bylaws and historical precedent.
According to sources, during a discussion, an individual stated he was “currently between NU and the government,” before being interrupted by B.J. Habibie. This interruption signals the sensitivity surrounding external influences on internal NU affairs. The move to invoke the MLB mechanism, rather than pursuing other avenues, suggests a strategic attempt to navigate a perhaps complex resignation while maintaining constitutional legitimacy. The outcome of these deliberations will significantly impact NU’s future direction and its role in Indonesian society, potentially setting a precedent for future leadership transitions.
