Gus Yusuf Legawa Accepts Dynamics of NU Congress, Urges Supporters to Maintain Unity
The Caretaker of the Tegalrejo Islamic Education Boarding School, Magelang, KH Muhammad Yusuf Chudlori (Gus Yusuf), has accepted with a composed attitude the entire process and dynamics occurring within the 35th Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Congress. He has urged all supporters and sympathisers to remain calm, exercise restraint, and work together to ensure the congress atmosphere remains safe and conducive.
“In a congress, differences in opinion and dynamics are part of the organisational process. Whatever the outcome, we must respond with maturity, clarity of heart, and by continuing to prioritise the welfare of the organisation (jam’iyah),” said Gus Yusuf in a statement received on Sunday (30/8).
He requested that his supporters not be provoked by provocations or engage in actions that could worsen the situation. Brotherhood, the honour of the kiai (religious scholars), and the integrity of Nahdlatul Ulama must be placed above personal or group interests.
“I urge all friends and supporters to remain calm. There should be no actions or statements that disrupt the conduciveness of the congress. Let us protect the dignity of the kiai, the brotherhood of fellow Nahdliyin, and the integrity of the great house of NU,” he said.
Gus Yusuf also expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the kiai, regional and branch officials, volunteers, and all parties who have accompanied this effort. The support provided is both a mandate and the energy to continue providing benefits to NU and the community.
He emphasised that service to NU is not determined by position or the results of a contest. Whether inside or outside the formal structure, he will continue to work towards strengthening boarding schools, education, healthcare, economic independence, and social services for the Nahdliyin community.
“Service to NU does not begin with a position and does not end because of a position. Whether through structural or cultural channels, God willing, I will continue to serve. NU is our shared house of service,” he asserted.
The National Coordinator of Guyub Nusantara, KH M. Furqon, stated that Gus Yusuf’s composed attitude reflects the maturity of a leader who consistently prioritises unity and the greater interests of Nahdlatul Ulama.
As one of the figures who has accompanied Gus Yusuf on visits to 464 NU branches (PCNU) across Indonesia, he assessed that the consolidation process conducted with Gus Yusuf was not merely for the interests of the congress, but an effort to absorb aspirations, connect brotherhood, and strengthen the NU service network down to the regional levels.
“We hope all supporters and friends of Gus Yusuf follow his appeal: to remain calm, maintain conduciveness, and not be provoked by the situation. The best attitude at this time is to maintain brotherhood and the honour of the organisation,” said KH M. Furqon.
He added that the end of a contest does not mean the end of the efforts that have been built. The entire Guyub Nusantara network and Gus Yusuf’s supporters are expected to continue contributing to the development of NU at all levels, from central, regional, and branch to sub-district levels.
“The visits to 464 PCNU have formed a strong bond of brotherhood and a spirit of service. This social capital must be continuously nurtured to strengthen boarding schools, education, economy, health, and service to the community. Positions may come and go, but service to NU must continue,” he said.
Gus Yusuf hopes that the entire series of the congress can be completed by prioritising deliberation, noble character, and the spirit of reconciliation. Once the congress concludes, he invites all elements of NU to join hands again to face the challenges facing the community and the nation.
“The contest will end, but brotherhood and service must not. It is time to return to unity, nurture NU, and work together for the community,” concluded Gus Yusuf.