PCINU in the United States and Canada urges new NU leader to continue its internationalization

Nahdlatul Ulama’s international reach should continue under its new chairman, but with more influence from members at the grassroots, according to M Izzul Haq Dimyati of the organization’s United States and Canada branch.

Speaking at the 35th NU Congress in Jombang, East Java, Dimyati praised former chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf for expanding the organization’s international role through forums and diplomacy. He specifically cited the R20 as an important achievement.

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I appreciate Gus Yahya’s efforts to internationalize NU, which were truly remarkable, including the R20 and others.

He said international engagement should not rely only on elite diplomacy. NU’s networks in different countries, including the Special Branches of Nahdlatul Ulama, or PCINU, should have a stronger role. In his view, grassroots participation would help connect global initiatives with the views and concerns of NU members.

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Going forward, we hope that whoever becomes chairman will continue internationalization well, while still paying attention to the aspirations and inspirations of grassroots members.

Dimyati pointed to Palestine as one issue that has drawn attention among NU’s grassroots members. He said they have their own expectations about how NU should position itself on global issues. While he acknowledged that parts of the internationalization agenda still needed evaluation, he described the work under Yahya as a potentially important legacy.

He also called on Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, known as Gus Kikin, to strengthen the implementation of that agenda by expanding the role of PCINU branches around the world.

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What needs to be improved in Gus Yahya’s diplomacy is the involvement of PCINU at the grassroots level.