Thirteen senior clerics, or masyayikh, gathered at Pondok Pesantren Al-Falah in Kediri, East Java, on June 20, 2026, to issue a formal stance ahead of the upcoming Musyawarah Nasional Alim Ulama and Konferensi Besar Nahdlatul Ulama (Munas-Konbes NU). The group expressed opposition to proposed changes regarding the selection mechanism for the Ahlul Halli wal Aqdi (AHWA) and urged that the 2026 Muktamar be hosted within a pesantren environment.
Who attended the meeting in Kediri?
The meeting brought together prominent figures within Nahdlatul Ulama to discuss the organization’s direction. According to the participants, the attendees included KH Nurul Huda Jazuli, KH Anwar Manshur, KH A Kafabihi Mahrus, Prof KH Ma’ruf Amin, Prof KH Said Aqil Siroj, KH Ali Akbar Marbun, KH Ali Kholil, KH Ah Syatibi Hambali, Prof Dr KH Asep Saifuddin Chalim, KH Mas’ud Masduqi, and KH Ubaidullah Shodaqoh. KH R Muhammad Khalil As’ad and KH Abdullah Ubab Maimoen joined the proceedings via a virtual connection.
The Ahlul Halli wal Aqdi (AHWA) is currently a forum tasked with selecting the Rais Aam of PBNU, a process that traditionally concludes immediately after the selection is finalized.
Why are the clerics calling for changes to the Munas-Konbes agenda?
The masyayikh issued their statement after reviewing draft materials for the upcoming Munas-Konbes, specifically regarding the AHWA mechanism. According to KH Ubaidullah Shodaqoh, who confirmed the meeting’s outcomes, the clerics believe that proposed additions—such as requiring AHWA candidates to be members of the Syuriyah board and establishing regional representation requirements—should be canceled. They also requested the removal of proposals that would alter existing prohibitions on holding concurrent political positions.
The tension between modern organizational reform and traditional pesantren-based leadership is the core issue here. While some regional leaders advocate for a more expansive, permanent role for AHWA in selecting both the Rais Aam and the Ketua Umum, the masyayikh argue that such shifts risk distancing the organization from its historical and spiritual roots in the pesantren community.
What is the status of the AHWA reform proposals?
Proposals to reform AHWA remain in the discussion phase and have not been adopted as official policy. Prof Mohammad Nuh, Secretary of the Steering Committee for the 2026 Munas-Konbes, noted that some regional boards have suggested making AHWA a permanent institution that assists the Rais Aam in selecting the Ketua Umum to reduce the “heat” of head-to-head elections. However, KH Ahmad Said Asrori, Chairman of the Steering Committee, clarified that any formal changes to the organization’s AD/ART regarding these mechanisms would require a decision at a future Muktamar, not the current one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary concern of the masyayikh regarding the AHWA?
They want to maintain the AHWA’s character as a forum centered on deep religious knowledge, moral integrity, and established standing within the Nahdlatul Ulama community, rather than shifting toward regional or political criteria.
Where do the masyayikh want the 2026 Muktamar to be held?
They have formally expressed a preference for the event to be held within a pondok pesantren environment to honor the historical and scholarly traditions that formed the foundation of the organization.
Has the proposal to allow AHWA to choose the Ketua Umum been approved?
No. Prof Mohammad Nuh stated that this is currently an evolving idea being discussed by some regional boards, and KH Ahmad Said Asrori confirmed that no final decisions have been made on the matter.
How will the organization balance these calls for traditional leadership preservation with the push for modern administrative reforms in the coming months?
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