Conflict in NU

Conflict in NU

From Merdeka

The aftermath of the recent Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) congress, in
which Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) was elected Chairman of the
Organization, has created two extreme poles within NU. The two
groups are now engaged in controversy. Each group has its own
potential followers. Gus Dur won the NU chairmanship in the Dec.
1-5, 1994 Congress by collecting 53 percent of the votes. The
remaining 47 percent forms an opposition with the support of KH
Idham Chalid.

The composition of the Board of Executives is weak and
unrepresentative, and gives the impression that it only reflects
Gus Dur's popularity. The leadership situation is worsened by the
resignation of Fahmi Saifuddin from his post as Head of Tandzyah.
The objection of 21 branches to Gus Dur's Board of Executives has
caused a stagnation which can endanger the existence of the
organization a whole. The question now is not concerning the
legality of the Board but the wide-spread conflict in the
organization. I fear that the opposing group will form its own
Board of Executives.

NU leaders are, in reality, not mature enough to accept a
democratic solution to the party's internal problem.

AGUS MIFTACH

Jakarta