... especially concerning who's in charge

... 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)