Golkar Secretary-General: Internalising Qanun Asasi preserves unity among NU members
Golkar Party Secretary-General Sarmuji has called on Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) members to internalise the Qanun Asasi, saying that a deep appreciation of the organisation’s philosophical foundation is essential to ensure that nahdliyyin continue to prioritise unity.
“If NU administrators truly internalise this Qanun Asasi, God willing, there will be no stories of NU members quarrelling or causing uproar. What will exist is an NU that keeps moving forward,” he said in a statement received in Jakarta on Saturday.
Sarmuji made the remarks while speaking at a “Pesantren Thought Halaqah” held on the sidelines of the 35th NU Congress in Jombang, East Java, on Friday evening (28/8).
He explained that K.H. Hasyim Asy’ari formulated the preamble of the Qanun Asasi with reference to Surah Al-Ahzab verses 45–46, which describe the Prophet Muhammad as a witness, a bearer of glad tidings, a warner, a caller to the religion of Allah, and an illuminating lamp.
According to Sarmuji, the choice of these verses reflects the hope that NU should be present to bring values of goodness, provide joy to society, and serve as a light in the life of the nation.
He also said the Qanun Asasi emphasises the importance of unity and the benefits of collective action. For this reason, he argued, NU’s strength lies in togetherness and collective movement.
“The Qanun Asasi is not merely a basic set of rules; it is the raison d’être, the very reason for NU’s establishment. It is both a foundation for thinking and a picture of how NU ought to serve,” he said.
The halaqah carried the theme “Emulating and Reinterpreting the Qanun Asasi of Nahdlatul Ulama,” in line with the agenda of the 35th NU Congress.
In addition to Sarmuji, the forum held at the Gedang Mosque in Tambakberas also featured K.H. Fatchulloh Malik of the Ribath Al Utsmani at Bahrul Ulum Pesantren (PPBU) Tambakberas and K.H. Ubaidillah from Bogor.
Ubaidillah presented the history and meaning of the NU Qanun Asasi, while Fatchulloh Malik explained the history of Bahrul Ulum Pesantren Tambakberas and the role of the Gedang Mosque in NU’s early development.
The halaqah was attended by santri and congress participants from various regions, including East Java, Central Java, and South Sulawesi, who also took part in a question-and-answer discussion session.