NU's Second Century Book Strengthens Foundation for Global Stage

As Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) gears up for its 35th Muktamar, a significant gathering scheduled for August 27-31 in Jombang, East Java, a comprehensive three-volume book offers a deep dive into the organization's past, present, and future.

Titled 'NU Abad Kedua: Menjaga Khittah, Optimis Menatap Masa Depan' (NU's Second Century: Maintaining the Khittah, Optimistically Facing the Future), the work by KH Muhammad Nur Hayid aims to provide a perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing NU as it enters its second century of existence. The Muktamar itself, themed 'Maintaining Marwah, Enriching Khidmah for the Nation's Benefit,' will address strategic agendas including organizational evaluation, religious discussions, program development, and leadership selection for the 2026-2031 term.

The book's three volumes are structured to guide readers through NU's evolving role. The first volume focuses on strengthening the internal foundation, covering aspects like organizational cohesion, da'wah (preaching), education, human resource development, and economic independence for its members. The second volume delves into organizational modernization and service ('khidmah'), examining the roles of pesantren (Islamic boarding schools), healthcare services, organizational governance, digitalization, and the relationship between scholars and the organization.

The third volume broadens the scope to NU's engagement with the wider world. It discusses the organization's contribution to national development, international cooperation, global network strengthening, crowdfunding, productive waqf (endowments), and the dynamics of global geopolitics. Together, these volumes form a cohesive narrative: reinforcing the foundation, expanding services, and ultimately increasing NU's contribution to both Indonesia and the world. The entire work comprises over 1,600 pages, reflecting the depth of analysis on topics ranging from organizational structure and education to economic empowerment and international positioning.