Messages and Hopes of Ordinary NU Citizens for the 35th NU Muktamar in Jombang

As Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) embarks on its second century, its journey is marked not just by age but by a sustained commitment to safeguarding the teachings of Islam Ahlussunnah wal Jamaah (Aswaja) and ensuring its relevance as a force for societal good. The organization's extensive service spans critical areas including the preservation of humanity, the pursuit of justice, and the enhancement of education, health, economy, and social welfare.

Furthermore, NU actively engages in maintaining cultural heritage and environmental stewardship, alongside upholding a democratic national life. These five pillars of service become increasingly vital as NU convenes its 35th Muktamar in Jombang. While the Muktamar serves as the supreme forum for evaluation, program formulation, and leadership selection, its deeper purpose lies in questioning the future direction of NU's service in its second century.

The organization must address at least five key considerations. Firstly, NU needs to ensure its members remain grounded in its foundational values of Aswaja and NU identity. Adapting to contemporary challenges requires evolving methods, but this adaptation should not lead to a loss of its core identity. The foundational documents, including the NU Constitution of 1926 and the 1984 Khittah NU, provide essential guidance.

These historical references are not mere relics; they offer a compass for navigating social, political, economic, and cultural shifts. Understanding its origins is crucial for NU to maintain its direction and purpose amidst changing times. The challenges facing NU in its second century are substantial, extending beyond national borders into the global arena.

NU is tasked with guiding the future of Islam in Indonesia while contributing to global discourse. The evolving nature of society, increasingly urban, educated, youthful, digitized, and globally aware, presents complex challenges. Developments in digital technology and artificial intelligence are poised to transform various aspects of human life, impacting work, education, social interaction, and the acquisition of knowledge, including religious understanding.