Watching the 35th NU congress from the diaspora
As Nahdlatul Ulama gathers for its 35th Muktamar, a former diaspora leader argues that safeguarding the organization’s future demands uncompromising independence from power, global literacy at the helm and a real voice for cadres abroad.
As Nahdlatul Ulama prepares for its 35th congress, a former diaspora leader emphasizes the need for NU's independence, global literacy, and representation for its overseas members. One memory from the leader's time leading the organization's special branch in Turkey involved conducting classical Islamic literature studies in an Istanbul apartment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining NU's global presence.
The 35th Muktamar, or congress, takes place at a Jombang pesantren, reflecting NU's global reach from Yemen to Ankara, London to Melbourne. During the congress, NU's leadership will be debated, with eight prominent figures, including incumbent Yahya Cholil Staquf, vying for the top executive position. While the increased competition could indicate healthy internal democracy, the leader stresses that NU must prioritize qualified leadership with a strong religious background.
The leader also highlights the importance of global literacy, arguing that NU needs a leader capable of understanding the challenges facing Indonesian Muslims beyond national borders.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post Academia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
