80% of PWNU Demand Total Change in PBNU Leadership

Katib Syuriyah of the Jombang branch of the Nahdlatul Ulama (PCNU) for the 2017-2022 period, Gus Rijal, has revealed that many regional board (PWNU) officials across Indonesia are seeking a total change in the central executive board (PBNU) ahead of the 35th NU Congress. He stated that this sentiment was expressed during informal gatherings of PWNU functionaries on the sidelines of the recent NU National Conference and Grand Consultation in Ploso, Kediri.

According to Gus Rijal, the dominant reason for this demand is to eliminate the prolonged conflict that has entangled the PBNU leadership. He noted that the officials expressed their frustrations and a desire for reform through personal networks to their peers in various regions.

“The whispers among them, which were not broadcast publicly, indicated that the PWNU officials across Indonesia are predominantly in favour of a total change in PBNU,” Gus Rijal said in a written statement on Sunday. “Their grievances were clear. They are tired of bearing the burden of the elite PBNU disputes, which have disrupted the performance and credibility of the organisation at the regional, branch, and sub-branch levels.”

He estimated that around 80 percent of PWNU officials want a complete overhaul of the central board for the upcoming term. This demand follows a turbulent period marked by internal conflict within the 2021-2026 PBNU leadership.

In a separate development, a forum comprising 32 PWNU from across Indonesia has urged the PBNU to hold the 35th Muktamar in Jakarta. Ganefri, chairman of PWNU West Sumatra, stated that the request was made to ensure certainty and smooth coordination, citing the capital’s superior infrastructure and accessibility. “With the preparation time growing shorter, Jakarta is the most realistic option,” Ganefri said, while acknowledging that the final decision rests with the PBNU.