Getting to Know Rais Aam and Chairman of PBNU: A List of NU Leaders Since 1926

Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) is one of the largest Islamic organisations in Indonesia, founded in 1926. Since its inception, NU has been led by a number of prominent scholars and figures who have played an important role in maintaining and developing the jam’iyah.

In the leadership structure of NU, particularly at the level of the Pengurus Besar Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), there are two main elements, namely Syuriyah and Tanfidziyah. These two bodies have different functions and authorities, but complement each other in running the organisation.

Rais Aam is the supreme leader within the Syuriyah ranks. In full, the position is called Rais Aam Syuriyah PBNU. This position plays an important role in providing direction, consideration, and religious guidance for the organisation. Syuriyah itself is a body inhabited by scholars and kiai, who play a role in safeguarding the values, traditions, and religious direction of NU.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of PBNU leads the Tanfidziyah ranks as the executive element of the organisation. Tanfidziyah is tasked with carrying out policies, programmes, administration, and various organisational activities in daily life.