Headline:
NU’s Secret Muktamar: PBNU‘s Sudden Silence and Looming MLB
Lede:
The recently concluded Pra Muktamar Luar Biasa (PM-LB) of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) was shrouded in secrecy, with its location only revealed after the event. Organizers cited intimidation and threats as the reason behind the covert operation, raising questions about the ongoing rift within Indonesia’s largest Islamic organization.
Article:
The much-anticipated Pra Muktamar Luar Biasa (PM-LB) of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) has concluded in Surabaya and Jombang, but not without sparking controversy. In a departure from tradition, the gathering was held with limited information, leaving many wondering why one of Indonesia’s most influential organizations chose secrecy over openness.
The PM-LB kicked off with a hybrid focus group discussion involving the presidium, prominent NU figures, and PWNU (Pengurus Wilayah NU) representatives at the JW Marriott Hotel in Surabaya on December 17. However, it was only after the event that the location was revealed to the public, with participants making visits to revered kiai (Muslim scholars) in East and Central Java prior to the closing ceremony at the Pesantren Mamba’ul Ma’arif Denanyar in Jombang.
KH Imam Baehaqi, a key figure in the PM-LB organization, admitted that the location was kept secret due to threats and intimidation faced by the panel. Reports suggest that the chairman of the PM-LB, KH Mas Maftuh, had to be evacuated from his residence in Surabaya due to repeated disturbances.
Baehaqi expressed regret that PBNU (Pengurus Besar Nahdlatul Ulama) had to resort to such measures, stating, "We’re not rebelling; we only wish to replace the leadership, not destroy PBNU." He also asserted that the upcoming Muktamar Luar Biasa (MLB) will be held openly and transparently, with the primary agenda being the leadership change.
The PBNU, however, has branded the PM-LB a hoax, with Wakil Rais Aam PBNU Anwar Iskandar claiming that the gathering did not adhere to NU’s organizational rules. He also pointed out that PBNU was not involved in the event and that 100% of PWNU and PCNU (Pengurus Cabang NU) members rejected the PM-LB.
As tensions continue to simmer, the Indonesian public awaits clarity on the ongoing leadership dispute within NU, with the MLB scheduled to take place in early 2025 at one of five proposed venues: Surabaya, Bangkalan, Jombang, Semarang, Cirebon, or DIY (Yogyakarta).
Keywords used: Nahdlatul Ulama, NU, PBNU, Muktamar Luar Biasa, MLB, Pra Muktamar Luar Biasa, PM-LB, KH Imam Baehaqi, KH Mas Maftuh, Pengurus Besar Nahdlatul Ulama, Wakil Rais Aam PBNU Anwar Iskandar, Pengurus Wilayah NU, PWNU, Pengurus Cabang NU, PCNU
Meta Description:
NU’s PM-LB wraps up in secrecy, sparking controversy as PBNU refutes its legitimacy. With the MLB approaching, tensions rise within Indonesia’s largest Islamic organization.
