{
  "id": 5196676,
  "title": "To build NU anew",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/to-build-nu-anew",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-02T23:06:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Jakarta Post",
    "slug": "the-jakarta-post",
    "url": "https://www.thejakartapost.com/opinion/2026/09/03/to-build-nu-anew.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nahdlatul Ulama, the world's largest Muslim organization, is embroiled in an internal struggle as state power and political patronage encroach upon its independent moral voice. The 35th National Congress (muktamar) of Nahdlatul Ulama, held from August 27-31 at Bahrul Ulum Islamic Boarding School in Jombang, East Java, was marked by tensions over rumors of state interference. Rumors arose after organizers unexpectedly dropped the Lirboyo boarding school in Kediri, a stronghold known for its independence, as the venue.\n\nDuring the congress, dozens of supporters protested when organizers changed eligibility rules mid-congress, disqualifying a key challenger for the top position. This led to the decision to abandon the democratic one-member, one-vote system, instead appointing a select council to choose the chairman. The outcome was predictable, with Miftachul Akhyar reelected as chief patron (rais aam), and Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, a great-grandson of NU founder Hasyim Asy’ari, securing the chairmanship for 2026-2031.\n\nAttendees included President Prabowo Subianto, who marked the event by attending both the opening and closing ceremonies. This gesture was notably warmer than any of his predecessors. The relationship between NU and the ruling elite has been growing stronger over the past two decades, with NU figures increasingly involved in government positions. This trend was evident during the Joko “Jokowi” Widodo administration when NU elites held key state roles, most prominently when Ma’ruf Amin served as vice president while still serving as rais aam.",
  "summary": "As state power and political patronage close in on Nahdlatul Ulama, the world’s largest Muslim organization faces a pivotal internal battle: preserve its independent moral voice, or become a rubber stamp for the ruling elite.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}