Book on Three Great Kiai Behind Cak Imin's Leadership Thoroughly Dissected

Suluh Nahdliyin held a discussion on the book Gus Muhaimin Iskandar or Cak Imin, Meneladani Kepemimpinan 3 Kiai: KH Hasyim Asy’ari, KH Wahab Chasbullah, and KH Bisri Syansuri, written by Dr. Wasid, S.Fil.I and colleagues.

The discussion took place at Al Maliki 2 Bahrul Ulum, Tambakberas, Jombang, on Friday, 28 August 2026.

The discussion featured several speakers, including the caretaker of Bahrul Ulum Tambakberas Islamic Boarding School KH Azam Khairuman Najib (Gus Heru), the caretaker of Madrasatul Qur’an Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School KH Mustain Syafi’i (Kiai Tain), and political observer Hendri Satrio.

Gus Heru said the book attempts to read the figure of Gus Muhaimin Iskandar from various perspectives, particularly by examining the exemplary leadership of three great figures who serve as his role models.

“Through this book, we try to read Cak Imin, who is also a relaxed person, from various perspectives, from the various figures behind him who are his role models,” said Gus Heru.

According to him, Gus Muhaimin’s genealogical background cannot be separated from the network of major pesantren in Jombang, particularly Tambakberas, Tebuireng, and Denanyar. For this reason, Gus Heru said he can be seen as a representation of these three pesantren environments.

“Cak Imin can be said to represent Tebuireng, can be said to represent Tambakberas, can be said to represent Denanyar. So he is a powerful person, his prowess—too powerful,” he said, greeted by a relaxed atmosphere in the forum.

Gus Heru assessed that the book has a relatively different approach because it attempts to examine the three founding figures of NU from a political leadership perspective.

“Only this book examines the political side of the masyayikh, the founders. From the educational side, it has been done many times, a great many times,” he said.

He emphasised that the book remains open to criticism because it is not intended as a perfect work. “You may all agree with this book and may also disagree. Because this book certainly has shortcomings, is not necessarily perfect, and will not be perfect,” he said.

According to Gus Heru, the main challenge of the book is attempting to read Gus Muhaimin’s leadership through three figures who have rendered great service and wielded broad influence in the history of NU.