Senior Kiai Highlight Dual-Position Issue Ahead of NU National Conference

Ahead of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) National Conference and Grand Conference, senior kiai (masyaikh) gathered at Al-Falah Ploso Islamic Boarding School in Kediri on Saturday, 20 June 2026. They put forward two important proposals for the 2026 NU Muktamar concerning the Ahlul Halli wal Aqdi (AHWA) and the article on dual positions. Spokesperson for the masyayikh forum, KH Muhammad Abdurrahman Al-Kautsar, stated that the forum was attended directly by 13 senior NU kiai from across Indonesia. They highlighted several circulating reports regarding draft organisational regulations to be proposed at the forthcoming Muktamar. Firstly, regarding the requirements and mechanism for electing members of the Ahlul Halli wal Aqdi (AHWA), who will select the Rais Aam. The masyaikh demanded that the proposal to add a requirement that AHWA candidate members must be syuriyah administrators and based on regional representation be rescinded. “AHWA must be restored as a forum of ulama grounded in depth of knowledge, exemplary morals, breadth of service, and recognition of scholarly authority within NU. Regionalism or territorial representation actually damages the fundamental essence of the AHWA institution itself,” said Gus Kautsar, as he is familiarly known. Furthermore, the masyaikh also highlighted the proposed amendment to the article concerning the prohibition on holding concurrent political positions. Reports have circulated indicating a proposal for a relaxation clause in that article so that certain NU administrators could hold strategic positions despite having political roles. “Likewise, the proposed amendment to the prohibition on holding concurrent political positions must also be rescinded,” continued the Caretaker of Al-Falah Ploso Islamic Boarding School in Kediri. Gus Kautsar added that the masyayikh also hope the 2026 NU Muktamar will be held within a pesantren environment as a form of respect for the history, tradition, and chain of knowledge that has been the source of Nahdlatul Ulama’s strength. They also hope that all participants maintain order, morals, and the etiquette of deliberation, and prioritise the unity and integrity of the jam’iyah. “The masyayikh believe that respect for ulama, strengthening the role of pesantren, and preserving unity are the main assets for Nahdlatul Ulama to continue carrying out its service to religion, the nation, the state, and humanity,” said Gus Kautsar. The 13 senior kiai who attended the forum in person included: Caretaker of Ploso Islamic Boarding School, KH. Nurul Huda Jazuli; Caretaker of Lirboyo Kediri Islamic Boarding School, KH. Anwar Manshur and KH. A Kafabihi Mahrus; Caretaker of An Nawawi Tanara Banten Islamic Boarding School, KH. Ma’ruf Amin; Caretaker of Al-Tsaqafah Jakarta Islamic Boarding School, KH. Said Aqil Siroj; Caretaker of Wali Songo Situbondo Islamic Boarding School, KH. R. Muhammad Khalil As’ad; Caretaker of Al Anwar Sarang Islamic Boarding School, KH. Abdullah Ubab Maimoen; Caretaker of Al-Kautsar Medan Islamic Boarding School, KH. Ali Akbar Marbun; Caretaker of Al-Itqan Tlogosari Islamic Boarding School, KH. Ubaidillah Shodaqoh; Rais Syuriah of PWNU East Kalimantan, KH. Ali Kholil; Caretaker of Ammanatul Ummah Surabaya Islamic Boarding School, KH. Asep Saifuddin Chalim; Caretaker of Qotrotul Falah Banten Islamic Boarding School, KH. Ah. Syatibi Hambali; and Rais Syuriah of PWNU Yogyakarta, KH. Mas’ud Masduqi.