Gus Yusuf and the Vision of Transformative Service for NU's Second Century
KH Muhammad Yusuf Chudlori, or Gus Yusuf, is known as a progressive and upright young figure. His long experience of 28 years in politics, decades as a pesantren caretaker, and service in education, health, the economy, and community empowerment form part of his life journey.
In politics, Gus Yusuf learned about service and devotion in the National Awakening Party (PKB) from the PAC level, branch level, to the Central Java PKB Regional Board for three periods. Despite his long experience, he never took a political position, even though he was once offered roles as a member of the DPR, minister, governor, deputy governor, and regent.
This choice reinforced his consistency in serving and showed that for Gus Yusuf, politics is not merely a path to power but a space for learning and service. This principle aligns with the message of his teacher, Gus Dur, who said that the welfare and benefit of NU members must continue to be fought for.
Gus Yusuf’s diverse experience is a strength and advantage for this Lirboyo alumnus, as it can equip him to lead PBNU in a more progressive second century while maintaining unity, brotherhood, and strong family bonds.
This experience is expected to be translated into empowerment and service work for Nahdliyin members and NU structures at all levels.
In Central Java, for example, Gus Yusuf helped push for the construction of several NU offices from branch level to MWC and Ranting. In addition, he supported the development of health facilities and community empowerment programmes through LAZISNU and Sharia People’s Credit Banks.
In pesantren, he successfully encouraged a transformation from the salaf model to modern and super modern pesantren. One example is the development of Subbanul Wathon Integrated International School (SWISS) in Magelang. In health, he built Subbanul Wathon Hospital as part of strengthening health services for the community and NU members.
Economic strengthening is also a focus. The development of BPRS and joint enterprises is carried out as part of efforts to build community self-reliance. PCNU Magelang, for instance, grew to own nearly 20 buses through a gradual process of mentoring and business development.
Gus Yusuf also sees the importance of changing NU’s preaching approach in its second century. Preaching needs to reach millennials and Gen Z through social media, radio, and YouTube-based television. At the same time, interfaith dialogue and assistance for vulnerable and marginalised groups continue.
Pesantren empowerment is also directed at strengthening the skills needed after students graduate. One example is waste management. Waste can be processed into compost, maggots, and other economically valuable products. This shows not only his sharpness in spotting opportunities but also his intelligence in initiating the pesantren world to support sustainable living and real action to protect the environment.
In many speeches at meetings with PCNU and PWNU across Indonesia, he said that if entrusted with PBNU, togetherness in service and Nahdliyin brotherhood would be the first priority. He wants to embrace all forces that have been divided by prolonged conflict.
Gus Yusuf wants to invite all forces in NU to reunite, be solid, and work together in harmony to serve NU and realise prosperous, healthy, and happy NU members with the spirit of ukhuwah an-nahdliyyah. Once harmony is formed, the agenda of community empowerment, pesantren transformation, health, preaching, education, and human resource development will, God willing, be easier to implement with clearer direction.
His focus on strengthening Ma’arif schools, LPTNU, and UNU is also part of Gus Yusuf’s strategic agenda if entrusted with leading PBNU. He believes that good and quality educational institutions will produce good and quality human resources capable of competing globally.
PCNU that do not yet have offices will, God willing, be helped to acquire them. Meanwhile, PCNU that already have offices are expected to develop them into community service centres, including through establishing health clinics in every PCNU. That is his hope and dream if given the mandate to become general chairman of PBNU.
Ultimately, all of Gus Yusuf’s experience in politics, pesantren, education, economy, social affairs, culture, and empowerment will, God willing, equip him to face the challenges of NU’s second century. His political lobbying and conflict resolution experience can also be capital in building political communication to unite differences and strengthen organisational unity and integrity.
For Gus Yusuf, service to NU is not merely about position, but about how the experience and abilities of every NU cadre can be translated into real benefits for NU members, the wider community, and the nation and state.