Gus Lilur: NU is the Foundation of This Republic

Jakarta, VIVA – HRM Khalilur R Abdullah Sahlawiy or Gus Lilur has revealed that the internal dynamics of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) are heating up ahead of the 35th Congress, scheduled for August 2026. He assesses that several manoeuvres are becoming apparent, both in the form of self-nominations and the promotion of specific figures. “What is interesting is that the contestation pattern this time is increasingly clear in a paired format, namely between candidates for General Chairman and Rais Aam. Therefore, it is not excessive to call it a ‘running mate’ pair,” said Gus Lilur in a written statement on Friday, 1 May 2026. He explained that normatively, the Rais Aam is selected through the Ahlul Halli wal Aqdi (AHWA) mechanism. However, in the reality of internal politics, the composition of AHWA is not entirely impartial. “I have closely observed the chess game of the main actors in this 35th Congress. From those observations, the current dynamics on the ground can be read,” he said. He elaborated that there is the incumbent General Chairman candidate, Yahya Cholil Staquf. Gus Lilur stated that Gus Yahya is currently seeking a partner for the Rais Aam position to strengthen his support base and broaden his legitimacy. “Secondly, the incumbent Rais Aam, Miftachul Akhyar. He is in a configuration with the incumbent General Secretary, Saifullah Yusuf. At this stage, both are seeking a figure to be promoted as the General Chairman candidate,” he said. Thirdly, he noted the emergence of a figure supported by the ruling powers, namely Minister of Religious Affairs Nazaruddin Umar. Currently, he is in the process of finding a partner for the Rais Aam position. Fourthly, there is an axis supported by the Partai Kebangkitan Bangsa (PKB) network and IKA PMII. Within this group, internal contestation is still ongoing among several names: KH Abdussalam Shohib or Gus Sslam, KH Yusuf Chudhori, KH Imam Jazuli, and KH Abdul Ghoffar Rozin. Fifthly, the force supported by the NU East Java Provincial Board (PWNU Jawa Timur) network, which is promoting the figure of KH Abdul Hakim Mahfuz. At the current position, this axis is still in the stage of seeking a partner for the Rais Aam position. Sixthly, an alternative candidate has also emerged, rooted in the NU East Java network, namely KH Marzuki Mustamar.