Secretary General Gus Ipul: NU Muktamar Decisions are Binding
Jombang (ANTARA) - The Secretary General of the Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), Saifullah Yusuf, also known as Gus Ipul, has emphasised that the decisions reached during the 35th NU Muktamar are binding and can only be amended with the approval of the Muktamar participants.
“It depends, it will depend on the Muktamirin (participants). We shall just wait,” said Gus Ipul on the sidelines of the 35th NU Muktamar at the Bahrul Ulum Tambakberas Islamic Boarding School, Jombang, on Sunday.
He explained that the position of the Muktamar as the highest forum within the NU organisation allows it to make decisions, including altering previously established resolutions.
“The Muktamar holds a higher position, so it can make any decision,” he stated.
When asked whether decisions made during the Muktamar could be changed, Gus Ipul affirmed that it is possible, provided there is the consent of the Muktamar participants.
“It can be changed. I do not yet know if there will be changes; everything depends on the Muktamar. The decisions made here are binding decisions,” he said.
According to him, any amendments to Muktamar decisions must still follow the forum’s mechanism and receive approval from the participants who hold authority within the Muktamar.
Gus Ipul also noted that the atmosphere around the Muktamar arena has subsided and is now conducive. Various parties are currently engaged in deliberations to find the best resolution to the recent dynamics.
“The situation has now calmed down, and deliberations are underway to find the best way forward. That is the way of NU,” he said.
He added that the committee’s primary duty is to facilitate the Muktamar to ensure that all material discussions proceed smoothly.
“Our committee is only here to facilitate how everything runs smoothly for the discussions inside,” said Gus Ianc.
Previously, tensions had arisen outside the area designated for the 35th NU Muktamar sessions. Supporters of one candidate expressed dissatisfaction with the mechanism during the session, leading to friction. However, after a period of time, the tension dissipated and the crowd dispersed.
Meanwhile, the General Chairman of the Pagar Nusa Central Leadership, Muchamad Nabil Haroen, urged all parties involved in the 35th NU Muktamar to exercise restraint and respect the session’s mechanisms following the dynamics around the plenary sessions.
“Pagar Nusa is present in the Muktamar arena solely to perform its service in maintaining the security, order, and dignity of the Nahdlatul Ulama Muktamar. We do not side with any candidate or group,” said Nabil.
He stated that differences in views and choices are part of organisational dynamics and should not escalate into actions that disrupt the proceedings of the NU Muktamar.
Nabil reminded that the 35th NU Muktamar, held at the Bahrul Ulum Tambakberas Islamic Boarding School in Jombang, holds historical significance related to the struggles of NU’s founders, including K.H. Abdul Wahab Chasbullah.
“It is only proper that we maintain etiquette in the presence of the masters (masyayikh). We must not allow ourselves to display quarrels that damage the brotherhood among Nahdliyin in a place that holds the traces of their struggle and devotion,” he said.
He also noted that the deployment of Pagar Nusa personnel was intended to assist the committee in ensuring the sessions remain safe and orderly, and to prevent wider friction.
He has instructed all Pagar Nusa members on duty to act in a measured manner, avoid being provoked, refrain from provocative actions, and prioritise a persuasive approach.
“The Muktamar is the highest forum of the jam’iyyah (organisation). Therefore, any differences that exist must be resolved through organisational mechanisms and deliberation, not through pressure or force on the ground,” said Nabil.
He emphasised that Pagar Nusa will continue its security duties until the Muktamar concludes, adhering to its role of service and remaining neutral towards any specific candidate.