Gus Ipul: Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar Potential Candidate for PBNU Chairmanship

Secretary General of PBNU Saifullah Yusuf, alias Gus Ipul, has stated that Religious Affairs Minister (Menag) Nasaruddin Umar is a potential candidate for General Chairman of PBNU at the NU Congress in August. Gus Ipul said Nasaruddin previously served as Katib Aam of PBNU. He noted that several PBNU General Chairmen had held the position of Katib Aam before becoming general chairman. “One of those with potential is, if we’re talking about it, one who has potential because Mr Nasaruddin Umar was also previously Katib Aam, Gus Yahya was previously Katib Aam, Kiai Said, if I’m not mistaken, was also previously Katib Aam. So actually, they all have potential, have potential, it just depends on whether they are willing or not,” said Ipul at the KPK Office, Jakarta, on Friday (8/5). Ipul said all parties are given the opportunity to nominate themselves. He stated that Nahdlatul Ulama will not lack cadres to become general chairman. “There are many, I think, who are ready to become general chairman with sufficient criteria,” he said. Ipul explained that the PBNU Congress is planned to be held in August. Then in June, the Scholars’ and Ulama Conference and the Major Conference will be held. “All our preparations are heading towards that, all preparations heading towards that, and insyaallah, it will be according to schedule, we hope that regions and branches truly have proposals that can be discussed further as part of progress,” he said.