Gus Yahya Urges Protesters to Remain Calm
Jombang (ANTARA) - The General Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), K.H. Yahya Cholil Staquf, also known as Gus Yahya, has requested that protesters at the 35th NU Congress arena in Pondok Pesantren Bahrul Ulum Tambakberas, Jombang, East Java, remain calm and refrain from actions that could disrupt the proceedings.
“I ask that you remain calm. Personally, I promise to strive to find a wise solution to this that can bring peace to everyone,” said Gus Yahya in a message to the protesters on Saturday.
Gus Yahya stated that he recognises K.H. Muhammad Yusuf Chudlori, or Gus Yusuf, as one of the superior and active cadres of NU.
“Regarding Gus Yusuf Chudlorito, I actually acknowledge that he is a superior and active cadre, indeed superior compared to others,” he said.
According to Gus Yahya, he personally hopes that all cadres can be accommodated and given the opportunity to play a role within the organisation. However, the congress delegates (muktamirin) have already made decisions regarding the processes occurring during the 35th NU Congress.
“If it depended on me personally, I would want everyone to be accommodated and everyone to receive an opportunity. But the delegates have already made a decision,” he said.
He also advised all candidates for the PBNU General Chairman position not to forget Gus Yusuf, as he represents significant potential for NU that can benefit the jam’iyyah (organisation).
Gus Yahya emphasised that whoever is eventually selected by the Ahlul Halli Wal Aqdi (AHWA) as the PBNU General Chairman for the upcoming period is expected to continue providing space for Gus Yusuf to contribute.
“Whatever, whoever is chosen by the Ahlul Halli Wal Aqdi, who is later decided to be the general chairman for the next period, must not forget Gus Yusuf Chudlori as a great potential whose benefits must be utilised for this jam’iyyah,” he stated.
A group of protesters held a demonstration to voice their aspirations at the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress arena at Pondok Pesantren Bahrul Ulum Tambakberas, Jombang.
The protesters are urging the committee and the PBNU leadership not to use the Association Regulations (Perkum) as an instrument to obstruct the candidacy of K.H. Muhammad Yusuf Chudlori (Gus Yusuf) and Gus Salam Sohib in the election of the PBNU General Chairman.
The protest coordinator, Fathoni, assessed that the dynamics occurring within the congress sessions indicate attempts to manipulate the election process for the interests of certain groups.
According to him, provisions within the Perkum, including the one-year political ‘iddah’ (waiting period) and organisational sanctions, were re-discussed during the sessions, which is seen as a move that could affect the eligibility of several top cadres to run for the PBU General Chairman position.
“The ratification of the use of the Perkum, which contains requirements for the general chairman, is being manipulated. Provisions regarding the one-year political iddah period and organisational sanctions are being re-discussed, thereby eliminating some of the best cadres from becoming PBNU General Chairman candidates, specifically Gus Yusuf Chudlori and Gus Salam Sohib,” he said.
They also emphasised that the Perkum must be used as an instrument for organisational restructuring, not as a political tool to sideline specific candidates during the NU Congress.
Furthermore, the protesters are demanding that the committee and all PBNU officials apply the rules fairly, openly, and consistently, without applying rules retrospectively or interpreting them based on the interests of specific groups.
They also requested an official explanation and an equal space for clarification for Gus Yusuf before any decision regarding his candidacy eligibility is finalised.