Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia’s largest Islamic organization, will elect a new executive chairman during its 35th Congress at the end of August in East Java. The election will determine if the organization maintains its current close ties with President Prabowo Subianto’s administration or shifts toward grassroots-led leadership, according to reports on the contest.
Contenders for the NU Executive Chairmanship
Incumbent chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf is seeking a second term. He aims to “continue his unfinished agenda during his first five-year term,” which includes upgrading digital management skills for NU branches and chapters.
Muhammad Yusuf Chudlori, owner of the Asrama Perguruan Islam (API) boarding school in Central Java, has emerged as a challenger. He has secured backing from 23 NU branches in his province. While candidates need nominations from at least 99 branches or chapters to be eligible, no other potential candidate has received such public endorsement so far.
Other figures showing interest include Zulfa Mustofa, the current deputy chairman of NU’s National Executive Board, and Abdul Hakim Mahfudz, chairman of NU’s East Java chapter. Abdul Ghaffar Rozin, chairman of NU’s Central Java chapter, and Mamba’ul Ma’arif boarding school owner Abdussalam Shohib have also indicated interest.
Did You Know? There are approximately 400–500 NU chapters and branches nationwide, and each candidate must be nominated by at least 99 of them to qualify for the chairmanship.
The Potential Candidacy of Nasaruddin Umar
Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar has not publicly declared a run, but reports indicate he is building momentum. Umar, a long-time NU member and ally of President Prabowo, participated in NU’s Intermediate Leadership Programme in East Java from July 22 to 26.
The event, organized by NU’s Gresik branch, included 72 cadres and officials. This participation allowed Umar to reconnect with the organization and solicit support from prominent officials.
If he runs, Umar would represent the establishment. He could challenge Yahya, whose popularity has declined due to criticism over a coal mining concession in Kalimantan. Grassroots members argue the move contributes to environmental destruction and that the leadership should have prioritized member well-being over international “Humanitarian Islam” branding.
A victory for an establishment figure like Umar or Yahya suggests a preference for state alignment, while a grassroots win would signal a mandate to pivot away from government-linked concessions.
Ideological Continuity and Islam Nusantara
Despite potential leadership changes, the organization’s inclusive and moderate ideology remains stable. Candidates are expected to continue promoting “Islam Nusantara,” a philosophy revived by Said Agil Siradj.
Islam Nusantara emphasizes an Islam compatible with local Indonesian customs, tracing its roots to the Nine Saints (Wali Songo) who spread the faith peacefully in Java between the 14th and 16th centuries. This framework was designed to counter conservative movements, such as the Salafi and Tarbiyah movements, and the now-banned Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia.
While all candidates agree with the underlying philosophy, they may differ on how aggressively to promote it. Said Agil Siradj’s aggressive promotion of the term previously drew backlash from Salafi activists.
Political Implications for the Prabowo Administration
The outcome of the August Congress could redefine the relationship between the state and the organization. President Prabowo Subianto recently signaled the importance of the group, stating at a conference in Bangkalan, East Java, that “if one wants to learn politics, one must learn from Nahdlatul Ulama,” according to thejakartapost.com.
If Yahya is re-elected or Nasaruddin Umar wins, the organization is likely to remain closely aligned with the government. This could preserve existing benefits, such as the Kalimantan coal-mining concession.
However, if a grassroots candidate prevails, the new leadership may be forced to act on sentiments of alienation. In such a scenario, the government may need to reassess and recultivate its ties with the organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will the 35th NU Congress be held?
The meeting will be hosted in the province of East Java, which is the birthplace of Nahdlatul Ulama.
What is the “Islam Nusantara” philosophy?
It is a form of inclusive Islam that is friendly to local Indonesian cultures and customs, originating from the peaceful dissemination of Islam by the Nine Saints (Wali Songo).
Why are some NU members critical of the current leadership?
Critics argue that Chairman Yahya focused too much on international presence and accepted a government coal mining concession in Kalimantan, which some believe contributes to environmental destruction.
Do you believe a leadership shift toward grassroots candidates would fundamentally change NU’s relationship with the Indonesian government?
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