The second century of NU requires both aspects simultaneously. NU\nneeds the strength of the pesantren to preserve its spiritual essence,\nalongside organisational capabilities to ensure direction remains on\ncourse. It requires both deep-rooted tradition and managerial competence\nat the same time.<\/p>\n
Jakarta (ANTARA) \u2013 The meeting between KH Imam Jazuli (Kiai Imjaz)\nand Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) on 25 May 2026 at the historic Bina Insan\nMulia Islamic boarding school in Cirebon, West Java, was more than a\nroutine goodwill visit. It carried deeper symbolic significance beyond\nmere location and timing.<\/p>\n
Amid NU\u2019s dynamics ahead of key milestones in its second century, the\nmeeting appeared to convey a message that NU requires a convergence of\nthe pesantren\u2019s cultural energy and the organisation\u2019s structural\nstrength.<\/p>\n
Conversely, the meeting also demonstrated that NU\u2019s elite\ncommunication still operates within the pesantren\u2019s characteristic\nwisdom, not always erupting in public discord but functioning through\nmutual respect and connection.<\/p>\n
This tradition has long enabled NU to navigate numerous conflict\nwaves without losing its cultural roots.<\/p>\n
Notably, the meeting took place at Bina Insan Mulia, a space\nrecognised from the outset not just as an educational institution but\nalso as a venue where ideas, pesantren traditions, and efforts to build\nthe future converge.<\/p>\n
The venue serves as a small metaphor for NU itself: traditional yet\nopen, rooted yet progressive.<\/p>\n
Thus, the meeting held more significance than mere organisational\npolitical communication. It brought together two faces of NU at the same\ntable.<\/p>\n
Kiai Imjaz has long been recognised as a representative of mainstream\npesantren. His influence has grown not through public commotion but\nthrough extensive cultural networks and the ability to embrace diverse\nforces, particularly the political wing of NU, the National Awakening\nParty (PKB), which holds power at the centre.<\/p>\n
In a situation where NU is often fragmented by competing interests,\nsuch capabilities are crucial. He can speak the language of the\npesantren while also bridging the worlds of politics, bureaucracy, and\npower.<\/p>\n
Kiai Imjaz appears to understand that NU\u2019s second century requires\nmore than preserving heritage; it must also provide direction. His\nwritings and ideas frequently advocate for NU to be visionary,\nstrengthen education, build economic independence, expand civilisational\ndiplomacy, and remain a unifying home for all elements.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/finding-cultural-and-structural-common-ground-among-nu-leaders-1779932721", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }