KH Said Aqil Siroj's name strengthens as candidate for Rais Aam ahead of NU Congress

As the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress approaches in Jombang, East Java, several prominent figures are being discussed as potential candidates for the Rais Aam (Supreme Leader) position. Among the names frequently mentioned are KH Miftachul Akhyar, KH Ma'ruf Amin, and KH Said Aqil Siroj.

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I followed Pak Said's cabinet. I also interacted with him for a long time. As far as I know, during his two terms (as PBNU Chairman), Pak Said was relatively stable. There were no major problems.

KH Said Aqil Siroj, a former two-term chairman of the central board of NU (PBNU), is increasingly seen as a strong contender. Senior NU figure KH Adnan Anwar has voiced strong support for Siroj, highlighting his extensive experience, his ability to unite the organization, and his hands-on approach to resolving issues. "I followed Pak Said's cabinet. I also interacted with him for a long time. As far as I know, during his two terms (as PBNU Chairman), Pak Said was relatively stable. There were no major problems," Anwar stated.

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Meaning, Pak Said is a consolidating figure. An experienced figure, and he also interacts with geopolitical issues. That is very important.

Anwar elaborated that Siroj effectively managed "furu'" or secondary issues, preventing internal turmoil. He described Siroj as a "consolidator" with significant experience, capable of navigating complex geopolitical matters, which he deems crucial for the organization's leadership. Siroj is also recognized for his direct involvement in resolving disputes, such as the Ba'alawi lineage controversy, which he helped to clarify and de-escalate.

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The danger of dismissing someone is personification of the individual. It's as if NU becomes an individual's business. That is the dangerous implication of someone dismissing a 'tanfidziyah' chairman. That has never happened before.

Regarding other potential candidates, Anwar acknowledged KH Ma'ruf Amin's experience. However, he expressed reservations about KH Miftachul Akhyar's tenure, which was reportedly marked by conflicts and dismissals involving the current PBNU Chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf. Anwar cautioned against the "personification of individuals" in leadership, where dismissals could make the organization appear subject to personal whims, a situation he noted has been rare in NU's history. He recalled instances of reconciliation after internal disagreements, emphasizing a historical preference for unity over dismissals within the organization.

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The event of dismissing people is rare. Throughout our time in PBNU, there were no dismissals.