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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Culture & Society

Muktamar NU 2026: Time for 'Al-Khuruj Minal Khilaf' and Leadership Regeneration in Nahdlatul Ulama

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Analysis Named sources Context piece
  • Ahead of the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress in August 2026, the article emphasizes the need for leadership that avoids conflict and prioritizes the organization's welfare.
  • It discusses the emergence of four major factions vying for leadership, each with its own legitimacy and arguments.
  • The author argues that the Congress should be a moment for reconciliation and leadership regeneration, focusing on broader organizational benefit rather than political power struggles.

As Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the world's largest Islamic organization, approaches its 35th Congress in late August 2026, a key Islamic principle resonates: "Al-khuruj minal khilaf mustahabb" – departing from disputes is commendable. This principle, extending beyond religious jurisprudence, carries a significant ethical message about prioritizing broader welfare over individual or group interests. This is particularly relevant as the Congress will not only elect a new General Chairman but also chart NU's course for its second century, impacting its future towards Indonesia's "Golden Indonesia 2045" vision.

Recent discussions surrounding the upcoming Congress reveal four prominent factions. These groups are broadly associated with the incumbent leadership, national political figures, and a narrative focused on leadership regeneration. Each faction presents its own justifications and legitimacy, all deserving respect within the dynamics of organizational democracy. However, the article posits that the more critical question isn't which faction holds the most political power, but which is best equipped to advance the broader interests of the organization (jam'iyyah).

Departing from disputes is commendable.

— Islamic principleCited as a guiding principle for the upcoming NU Congress.

Robert W. Hefner has described NU as a highly successful Muslim civil society organization, adept at integrating Islam, democracy, and pluralism globally. This success implies that NU requires leadership not only possessing political strength but also moral legitimacy, consensus-building capabilities, and freedom from internal conflicts that could drain organizational energy. Therefore, the author argues, the upcoming Congress should transcend a mere competition between interest groups.

Instead, the 35th NU Congress should serve as a pivotal moment for major reconciliation and the regeneration of leadership within Nahdlatul Ulama. The focus should be on fostering unity and preparing the organization for its future challenges and opportunities, ensuring its continued relevance and positive impact.

NU is one of the most successful Muslim civil society organizations in marrying Islam, democracy, and pluralism in the world.

— Robert W. HefnerDescribing NU's global significance and its complex integration of values.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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