NU Congress Agrees to Bar Rais Aam-Ketum from Holding Political Office

At its 35th Congress in Jombang, East Java, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia's largest Islamic organization, has established a significant new rule: its top leaders, the Rais Aam and the Ketua Umum (General Chairman), are now prohibited from holding concurrent political office.

The decision was reached through deliberation and consensus within the Organization Commission session, defying initial expectations of a potentially contentious debate. KH M Asrorun Niam, who chaired the session, noted that NU's path often involves finding compromise, leading to a smooth agreement outside the initially proposed options.

While one option would have maintained the old rules and another proposed removing the term 'minister' from the prohibition, the final agreement specifically bars the Rais Aam and Ketua Umum, referred to as the 'mandataris muktamar' or congress-mandated leaders, from holding political positions. This includes roles such as party chairpersons, parliamentary leadership, or ministerial appointments.

Asrorun clarified that this prohibition is strictly for political offices, not for positions within political parties. He defined political positions broadly, encompassing roles from President and Vice President down to ministers and regional heads. The stricture applies only to the Rais Aam and Ketua Umum because they symbolize the organization's leadership and are responsible for its highest-level strategic direction ('siyasatul ulya'). Other NU officials, including those at lower levels, may still hold political appointments, including ministerial roles.

The consensus-based decision underscores NU's internal dynamics, emphasizing a commitment to organizational integrity and leadership focus. The agreement was reportedly reached with 'full joy,' reflecting a unified approach to defining the boundaries between religious organizational leadership and political engagement.