Gus Dur's re-election

As predicted, Abdurrahman Wahid, also known as Gus Dur, was re-elected as Nahdlatul Ulama's (NU's) executive chairman for a third consecutive term during the organization's 29th congress which ended yesterday.

But he did not win the chairmanship as easily as many had predicted. He narrowly beat his toughest opponent, Abu Hasan, who is virtually unknown outside NU circles, by a slim margin of only 32 votes.

But what is most important is the fact that Gus Dur was re- elected through a very democratic process, something which is rare in this country. In this way NU has demonstrated that it is still capable of upholding its independence and resisting external pressures. In other words, the NU congress has refuted the claim made by critics that there is no hope for the improvement of the democratic climate in this country.

It is also interesting to note that although some government officials officially declared that they would not meddle in NU's affairs even before the start of the congress, many of them openly aired their displeasure over the possible re-election of Gus Dur. Phrases such as "NU should not elect a leader who likes to confuse his followers", were apparently meant as a covert message to NU members not to elect Gus Dur.

Considering the direct pressure exerted by officials on some NU branch delegates not to support Gus Dur's re-election, as was reported by the press, one should hail the outcome as a victory for democracy.

Even so, one cannot help but wonder about the motives behind those officials' stance. After all, with Gus Dur at the helm of the NU leadership, the government can be assured of NU's non- political character, which is in line with the government's own policy on depolitization.

One wonders: Could it be that the government prefers somebody less critical than Gus Dur for the top position in NU? Somebody more docile and more compromising and cooperative than Abdurrahman Wahid? Or could it be that those officials want Gus Dur to loose his chairmanship to clip his legitimacy (and his outspokenness) as one representing "the voice of the people"?

If any of this were true, the next question would be: Is it a sin in this country to be outspoken and to have a different opinion? Where is the limit of tolerance for outspokenness and where is the line that distinguishes statements that are "confusing" and those that are "agreeable"?

Another interesting new phenomenon in this latest NU congress is the apparent decline of the ulemas' influence and independence, particularly in Java. The rise of Abu Hasan, the candidate who was reportedly preferred by the government for the NU chairmanship, is by far the most obvious indication of this. The fact that almost half of the ulemas present voted for Abu Hasan should not be underestimated because it could be seen as proof of increasing government influence over those religious leaders.

During the last decade the effects of the onslaught of the market economy on the position of the ulemas has been clearly observed. In earlier days ulemas commanded the full obedience of villagers through their religious teachings and social stature. But national development has since strengthened the stature of the village chiefs, who are in a position to dole out projects that are of benefit to the villagers. This has made them more influential, while independent ulemas, who cannot grant economic projects have started to lose their influence.

This, coupled with the increase in the number of "Golkar ulemas" has changed the old power configuration in the NU. But, judging by the fact that Gus Dur has still managed to retain his chairmanship despite these changes, it is apparent that the old traditional values of the NU somehow still prevail.

Moreover, the strong support which Gus Dur has won from the younger generation in NU -- and this despite his sometimes "wild" ideas -- shows that there are forces at work within NU that may spell the promise of the growth of a more independent, open and democratic organization. This is very important for the future of this country, given NU's sheer size and role.

In this regard we are inclined to agree with Minister of Defense and Security Edi Sudradjat that attempts to drag NU into the political arena are certain to continue because of the group's extensive influence. However, we believe that under the leadership of the present NU trio of K.H. Ilyas Ruhiyat, K.H. Sahal Mahfudz and Abdurrahman Wahid, NU will be able to weather the politically related storms which are sure to blow over it in the future.

However, the present leaders are well advised to take this latest congress as a lesson: Many things have changed in this country and NU has no other option but to adjust itself to this reality.

We believe that under the present leadership NU will be able to maintain its populist outlook, its independence and its grassroots character. By doing so the NU will remain an invaluable asset that will assist this nation in its endeavor to achieve a speedier democratization process.