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