NU to hold its congress in November

NU to hold its congress in November

SURABAYA (JP): The 30th national congress of the largest
Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama will be held in Kediri, East
Java in November for five days, an NU executive Said Aqil Siradj
said Wednesday.

"We haven't decided on the date yet as we are still discussing
it with regional branches," he said.

The congress, taking place at the Lirboyo Islamic boarding
house, the congress of Nahdatul Ulama (NU), which claims the
support of some 30 million followers, will involve some 5,000
members.

According to Said, prospective candidates to replace incumbent
chairman Abdurrahman Wahid, popularly known as Gus Dur, have yet
to be discussed.

Abdurrahman has been elected three times as chairman, the last
time at the 1994 NU congress at Cipasung, Tasikmalaya in West
Java.

"Basically we will discuss major issues such as
democratization and current national problems, including specific
items such as women's political rights," he added.

Said himself has been tipped as the next chairman by NU
executives. (nur/edt)