Backed by Regional and Branch Chapters, Kiai Marsudi Declares Readiness to Serve as PBNU Chairman

Senior Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) figure and Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), KH Marsudi Syuhud, has declared his readiness to run for the chairmanship of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) at the forthcoming congress. He is taking this step in response to aspirations and encouragement from the ranks of the NU Regional Boards (PWNU), NU Branch Boards (PCNU), and kiai from various regions across Indonesia. “Thank you to those who have publicly conveyed their aspirations. I am considered capable of continuing the work, steering the organisation out of conflict, and running the organisation better in the future,” said Kiai Marsudi in a statement broadcast on a public podcast. He emphasised that his entire life’s journey has never been separated from the spirit of khidmah (service). Therefore, when the encouragement came from regional administrators, he declared his readiness. “My life is inseparable from khidmah. When this journey towards service is supported by branches and regions, then anywhere and anytime, I am ready. If we interpret life as service, there will be no fatigue and no complaints—whether it is khidmah lil ’ilmi (service to knowledge), khidmah lil ’ulama, or khidmah lil Nahdlatul Ulama. If the intention is that, I am sure everything will feel light,” he said. Kiai Marsudi also added the importance of progressive organisational experience before leading a large institution. “Before becoming ‘Chairman’, one must at least be accustomed to being the ‘general of a chair’. We are used to going through the process from the bottom to understand its reflexes. So when there is a problem, our organisational instincts and sensors are already trained to make improvements,” he explained. Support for Kiai Marsudi continues to flow from branch-level administrators. Chairman of the Tual City PCNU, Juni Tamsil Kilwo, assessed that the dynamics leading up to the Congress require a leadership figure capable of bringing change while maintaining PBNU’s independence. “From congress to congress, there are always good things and things that need improvement. Amid the current dynamics of the PBNU elite, our hope for the future is to present a better and more trustworthy figure,” said Juni. According to Juni, intensive communication to unite voices has been carried out with several PWNU and PCNU in Eastern Indonesia, covering Sulawesi, Maluku, and Papua. “We have communicated and agreed to unite our voices for Kiai Marsudi Syuhud. Communication continues intensively, and in due course, an official declaration of support will be conveyed openly,” he stressed. Echoing this, the Chairman of Tanfidziyah PCNU Landak Regency, West Kalimantan, Eko Santoso, asserted that Kiai Marsudi has the capacity and track record to lead PBNU. “His background is clear, his leadership is clear, and his contributions are clear. NU cadres certainly acknowledge his capacity. His role is not only at the regional level but also national and even international,” said Eko. Eko highlighted Kiai Marsudi’s active participation in various international forums promoting world peace. “He is active as a speaker on world peace at the Global Peace Foundation. He often promotes the values of Islamic moderation, Pancasila, and interfaith harmony in various international forums. Not just anyone can be invited and become a speaker at such a global level,” he concluded.