{
  "id": 6503039,
  "title": "Analysis: NU struggles for independence by changing chairs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/analysis-nu-struggles-for-independence-by-changing-chairs",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-10T00:00:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Jakarta Post",
    "slug": "the-jakarta-post",
    "url": "https://www.thejakartapost.com/opinion/2026/09/10/analysis-nu-struggles-for-independence-by-changing-chairs.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The 35th congress of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia's largest Islamic social organization, concluded on August 26, 2023, with the election of Kh. Abdul Hakim Mahfudz as chairman of the Executive Board (PBNU) for the 2026-2031 term. The election, held in Bahrul Ulum Tambakberas, Jombang, East Java, saw Mahfudz elected unanimously by the nine-member Ahlul Halli wal Aqdi (AHWA) council, responsible for selecting NU leadership.\n\nMahfudz, a great-grandson of NU founder Hadratussyekh KH Hasyim Asy'ari, ran on a platform of revitalizing NU's foundational constitution, preserving traditional scholarly lineage, and strengthening economic development for NU's tens of millions of members. This inward-looking approach was in stark contrast to the previous five-year chairmanship of Kh. Yahya Cholil Staquf, which was characterized by an outward, progressive project and entanglement with the state, leading to criticism and controversy.\n\nThe election of Mahfudz reflects a significant shift within NU, with the traditionalist wing gaining a broad mandate. This preference was evident in the re-election of conservative Rais Aam as the supreme spiritual leader of NU. The congress can be seen as both a cleansing and an election, as NU reconciled its internal divisions and solidified its commitment to the traditionalist wing.",
  "summary": "The search for independence for Nahdlatul Ulama (NU),Indonesia’s largest Islamic social organization, has always been fought at its congress (Muktamar). The 35th Muktamar at Bahrul Ulum Tambakberas, Jombang, East Java, which closed on Aug. 26, was no exception.",
  "key_points": [
    "NU elects Abdul Hakim Mahfudz as PBNU chairman for 2026-2031",
    "Mahfudz focuses on revitalizing NU's constitution and economic development",
    "Shift to traditionalist wing gains broad mandate at congress"
  ],
  "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."
}