Gus Imron Views Mbah Bisri's Three Messages as Key to Shaping NU's Leadership Direction

Jakarta, VIVA – Ahead of the 35th Congress of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), discussions on the direction of leadership within Indonesia’s largest religious organisation are once again in the spotlight. Amid public perceptions of a leadership crisis, a statement from H. Ahmad Imron, or Gus Imron, a member of the Banten Provincial DPRD, has revived the classic messages of NU founder KH Bisri Syansuri.

According to Gus Imron, the current state of NU demands deep reflection by adhering to the basic values inherited from the founders. He assesses that Mbah Bisri’s three messages are not mere advice but can serve as a strategic solution to address the dynamics of NU’s leadership today.

“To overcome the impasse and turmoil in NU’s leadership direction, I call it triple problem solving. These three messages from Mbah Bisri remain highly relevant,” said Gus Imron in a written statement on Thursday, 16 April 2026.

The three messages in question are, first, NU members are reminded not to use NU as a field for personal gain. Second, do not leave or hate NU, as that would bring adverse impacts. Third, members are encouraged to enlarge NU and actively participate in its programmes to attain blessings in life.

Gus Imron believes that if these three principles are firmly upheld, the organisation’s direction will return to a straight and sustainable path of struggle.

Furthermore, he mentions that the figure deemed capable of translating these messages in the contemporary context is Mbah Bisri’s direct grandson, KH Abdussalam Shohib, or commonly known as Gus Salam.

“If others might not have the same moral burden, as a grandson, Gus Salam has a closeness in values and responsibility to interpret Mbah Bisri’s messages,” he asserted.

The name Gus Salam has recently come under the spotlight within NU circles. This young kyai from Denanyar Islamic Boarding School in Jombang currently serves as Deputy Secretary General (Wasekjen) of PBNU for the 2022–2027 period and has been known to be active in various organisational structures since the early 2000s.

For information, Gus Salam has openly expressed his readiness to run as a candidate for General Chairman of PBNU at the upcoming 35th Congress. That statement was delivered at the Halalbihalal event of the Jombang PC IKA PMII at Al-Aqobah International School, and was enthusiastically received by participants some time ago.