NU Leader Calls for Unity at Upcoming Congress

Professor KH Zainal Abidin, Rais Syuriah of Nahdlatul Ulama's (NU) central board, has called for the upcoming 35th Muktamar (congress) in Jombang, East Java, to place a strong emphasis on unity among its members. He stated that the congress should be conducted with joy and solemnity, reflecting the organization's core tradition of deliberation (musyawarah).

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It must be carried out with full joy, solemnity, and prioritizing the unity of Nahdlatul Ulama members.

Abidin highlighted the Muktamar's strategic importance as the highest forum within NU, responsible for determining the organization's policy direction and future. He emphasized that the deliberations should yield decisions and leadership that advance the organization and benefit the nation. The congress is not merely about leadership transition but also serves as an intellectual and strategic platform for evaluating NU's role and formulating responses to contemporary social, religious, national, and global challenges.

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NU's deliberations must produce decisions and leadership that move the organization forward for the nation and state.

Looking ahead to NU's second century, Abidin noted that the challenges faced will differ from those confronted by the founders. He stressed the need for NU to adapt to evolving times by broadly interpreting developments while remaining grounded in its foundational values and scholarly heritage. Maintaining a balance between Islamic values, nationalism, and humanity is crucial, ensuring that the congress's decisions have relevance beyond internal organizational matters to the broader society.

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Differences of opinion are normal in a large organization. However, these differences should not eliminate the brotherhood and solidarity of NU members.

Acknowledging that differing views are natural within a large organization, Abidin urged members to ensure these differences do not undermine their brotherhood and solidarity. He added that future NU leadership should focus on strengthening scholarly traditions, cadre development, social services, and the organization's contribution to national development. NU, he stated, must continue to be a civil society force promoting a moderate, inclusive, and constructive form of Islam within the national context.

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NU must continue to be a force in civil society capable of presenting moderate, inclusive, and constructive Islam in national life.