Gus Lilur Hopes 35th NU Congress Produces a Unifying Leader

Young Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) figure Khalilur Abdullah Sahlawiy, known as Gus Lilur, hopes the 35th NU Congress will produce a leadership capable of uniting nahdliyin members and ending the prolonged conflict within the organisation. “NU needs a leader who can unite, not add to fragmentation. NU requires a figure who is calm, modest, and able to act as a unifier for all elements of the jam’iyah,” Gus Lilur said in a statement in Jakarta on Saturday. According to him, NU’s history has produced several Rais Aam figures remembered for their exemplary leadership, such as Kiai Haji Ahmad Siddiq and KH Sahal Mahfudz. He said these two figures were not only known for their depth of knowledge, but also for their simple living, calm demeanour, and ability to maintain unity within NU. “That is the kind of leadership NU needs today,” he said. Previously, PBNU Chairman Yahya Cholil Staquf expressed hope that the congress, as the organisation’s highest forum, would not be used as a springboard towards the 2029 General Election. Yahya said this message had been repeatedly conveyed during his nearly five-year leadership of PBNU. Therefore, PBNU will strive to ensure the congress is not exploited as an arena for electoral political interests. Regarding the nomination mechanism at the congress, he explained there is no obligation for candidates to resign from structural positions, including in government. However, there are provisions regarding the prohibition of holding concurrent positions that must be observed.