NU clerics warn against political interference in upcoming leadership race
Indonesia’s largest Islamic organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) is slated to hold a leadership contest to pick its next chair in its upcoming national congress (Muktamar) in Jombang, East Java in late August.
The largest Islamic organization in Indonesia, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), is preparing to elect its next leader at a national congress (Muktamar) in August. Senior clerics within NU have expressed concern that political interference and manipulation could tarnish the organization's reputation. This warning was issued ahead of the 35th NU congress, scheduled for August 27 to 31 at a boarding school in Jombang, East Java.
Over 200 delegates from various branches across the country will participate in the election of the organization's chair for a five-year term. During a meeting on August 20, dozens of influential NU clerics gathered to discuss the upcoming congress and voiced worries over potential attempts to influence the selection process. These concerns specifically pertain to the formation of the nine-member Ahlul Halli wal-Aqdi council, which plays a vital role in choosing the Supreme Leader of NU.
A senior cleric from the NU's religious advisory council emphasized that any improper conduct or attempts to sway the process, whether directly or indirectly, could undermine NU's credibility and the honor of its members. NU is currently considering a proposal to amend its rulebook, which would replace the current one person one vote system for delegates with a deliberation process involving senior clerics, including members of the Ahlul Halli wal-Aqdi.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
