NU Pandeglang Figure Suggests Kiai Marsudi as Candidate for PBNU Top Post

Amidst significant challenges for Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) in preserving its organizational independence from political and economic pressures, a prominent figure in Pandeglang, Banten, has put forward Dr. KH Marsudi Syuhud as a strong contender for the next General Chairman of the PBNU (Pengurus Besar Nahdlatul Ulama).

Dr. Enci Zarkasih, the Chairman of the Pandeglang Branch Leadership Council (PCNU) for the 2024–2029 period, believes Syuhud is well-suited to lead NU. Zarkasih highlighted the critical need for a leader capable of safeguarding the organization's integrity while acting as a crucial link between the Muslim community and the state. This perspective arises from the current national political dynamics and the specific challenges NU faces as Indonesia's largest religious organization.

Zarkasih, also known as Abah Enci, emphasized that NU must reassert its position as a moral compass for the nation, rather than becoming a tool for political expediency. He noted that many leaders are increasingly drawn into political contests, potentially sidelining NU's core mission of religious outreach and community development. "NU is not a tool of power. NU is the guardian of values, ethics, and the integrity of national and state life," Zarkasih stated, advocating for leaders to return to NU's foundational principles.