Analyst Says It Would Be Unseemly for PBNU Rais Aam Election to Face Outside Intervention

Political analyst Ujang Komarudin has reminded Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) not to be co-opted by power interests. According to him, NU’s historical position as a founder of the nation demands that the organisation remain independent and not stand in the shadow of power.

“Even if NU is in the shadow of the palace, what should actually happen is not NU being co-opted by palace interests. NU is a founder of the nation. Because NU is a founder of the nation, its value must be higher,” Ujang said during the 35th NU Congress Serial Discussion titled ‘Finding the Ideal Figure for PBNU Rais Aam’, in Jakarta, Monday (24/8/2026).

Ujang assessed that the potential for power intervention in the election of the PBNU Rais Aam needs to be seriously anticipated in order to safeguard the organisation’s dignity. He stressed that the Rais Aam figure must not emerge from the pull of practical political interests.

“If the elected Rais Aam involves intervention from power interests, then this will become something rather unseemly,” he said.

Furthermore, he reminded that NU has long played a strategic role as a civil society force that often cools tensions in socio-political dynamics. Overly loose proximity to power is feared to erode the organisation’s critical capacity and bargaining position.

“If there is an issue of the Rais Aam being championed by power interests, then it is very detrimental to NU circles,” Ujang said.

He expressed hope that NU members would choose a Rais Aam figure who truly carries the mandate of the community and consistently safeguards the spirit and independence of Indonesia’s largest religious organisation.