... especially concerning who's in charge

JAKARTA (JP): The Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) was established 67 years ago, but it is not exactly free of organizational problems such as ineffective line of command. Since late last year, NU has been challenged to revamp its structure in order to improve its effectiveness and clarify of the line of command.

The organization has three main departments, namely Syuriyah, Tanfidziyah and Mustasyar. The Syuriyah, or executive board, is chiefly manned by ulemas, Tanfidziyah is staffed by non-ulema leaders who handle various programs, while Mustasyar is a board of advisors consisting of senior ulemas or spiritual leaders.

According to the statute, Syuriyah is the highest body whose function is "to manage, control, supervise (the organization) and act as the decision-maker". The Tanfidziyah, on the other hand, is in charge of the daily operations.

In reality, however, the role of Tanfidziyah often eclipses that of the Syuriyah, causing a situation of "dualism."

There have been calls that the statute be revised and the Syuriyah be appointed the supreme manager of the organization, and be granted veto power over Tanfidzyah. Also that various organizations which are traditionally managed by Syuriyah be transferred to the management to Tanfidzyah.

Political observers such as Kacung Maridjan from the University of Airlangga, Surabaya, have suggested that the division of ulema leaders and non-ulema leaders be abolished, and the organization be managed by a single executive board.

However, the board should be chaired by someone whom he classified as "ulema-plus", a person who is knowledgeable of Islam as well as political, economic and social issues. Some people think the incumbent Tanfidzyah chairman Abdurrahman Wahid would fit the bill and hope he withdraws his statement about not seeking another term.

Five years ago, NU leaders promised that the organization would give priority to economic programs to improve the standard of living of its members.

Abdurrahman Wahid said at that time that the call for emphasis on economic issues reflected the awareness of a "lack of facilities"--Indonesia's euphemism for financial problems or even downright poverty--in the organization.

Now, questions still remain about how NU can improve its standing in society. Politically, NU has not succeeded. Socially, it faces the threat of alienated followers. Economically, it faces a long string of problems as its followers traditionally come from poor rural areas. (swe)