Convergence of NU's Two Main Currents

The meeting at Pesantren Bina Insan Mulia (BIMA) in Cirebon on the night of 14 April 2026 was far from an ordinary gathering. There, two poles of “energy” within NU converged: KH Imam Jazuli Lc., MA and Prof. KH Asep Saifuddin Chalim. This may be a meeting of “two figures” that are identical yet mutually illuminating rather than clashing. Ahead of the NU Congress, the resonance and aroma of “coalition” from this encounter feel profoundly strong. For they represent prototypes of future kiai: economically independent, intellectually progressive, yet humbly rooted in tradition. At least ten red threads unite them. First, blue blood flows from Gunung Jati. Both are not “newcomers” on the spiritual map of the Archipelago. There is a strong genetic leadership because both connect to the lineage of Sunan Gunung Jati. This is both social and spiritual capital. The blood of moderate yet firm da’wah has coursed through their veins long before those prestigious academic titles were bestowed. Second, both have “settled” their affairs of the stomach. This is rare. Many seek to lead organisations for livelihood, but Kiai Imam and Kiai Asep have already “settled with themselves”. They have been granted abundance of wealth. For them, riches are no longer a goal but merely a tool to serve the ummah. When a kiai is wealthy, he cannot be bought, and that is the beginning of independence. Third, there is a hand above that never tires. Their generosity has become widely talked about (renowned).