MUI Deputy Chair Marsudi Syuhud Ready to Run for PBNU Chairman

Senior Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) figure and Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), KH Marsudi Syuhud, has declared his readiness to run for the position of Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) at the 35th Congress. He is taking this step in response to aspirations and encouragement from the ranks of the Nahdlatul Ulama Regional Administrators (PWNU), Nahdlatul Ulama Branch Administrators (PCNU), and clerics from various regions across Indonesia. “Thank you to those who have publicly conveyed their aspirations. I am considered capable of continuing, steering the organisation out of conflict, and running the organisation better in the future,” said Kiai Marsudi in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday. He emphasised that his entire life journey has never been detached from the spirit of khidmah (devotion). Therefore, when the encouragement came from regional administrators, he stated his readiness. “If we interpret life as khidmah, there will be no tiredness and no complaints, whether it is khidmah lil ’ilmi (devotion to knowledge), khidmah lil ’ulama, or khidmah lil Nahdlatul Ulama. If the intention is already like that, I am sure everything feels light,” he said. Kiai Marsudi also added the importance of progressive organisational experience before leading a large institution. Support for Kiai Marsudi continues to flow from branch-level administrators. The Chairman of PCNU Tual City, Juni Tamsil Kilwo, assessed that the dynamics ahead of the Congress require a leader figure capable of bringing change while maintaining PBNU’s independence. “From congress to congress, there are always good things and things that need improvement. Amid the current dynamics of the PBNU elite, our hope for the future is to present a better and more trustworthy figure,” said Juni. According to Juni, intensive communication to unite voices has been carried out with several PWNU and PCNU in the Eastern Indonesia region, covering Sulawesi, Maluku, and Papua. “We have communicated and agreed to unite our voices for Kiai Marsudi Syuhud. Communication continues intensively, and in due course, an official declaration of support will be delivered openly,” he said. “His background is clear, his stature is clear, and his track record is clear. Nahdliyin cadres will surely acknowledge his capacity. His role is not only at the regional level but also nationally and even internationally,” said Eko. Eko highlighted Kiai Marsudi’s active participation in various international forums promoting world peace. “He is active as a world peace speaker at the Global Peace Foundation. He often promotes the values of Islamic moderation, Pancasila, and interfaith harmony in various international forums. Not just anyone can be invited and become a speaker at that global level,” he said.