Senior Kiais Highlight Intervention in 35th NU Congress
A number of senior Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) clerics have reminded participants of the 35th NU Congress not to be influenced by pressure, political transactions, or alleged intervention in the leadership election process. They believe that an election which does not proceed honestly could set a bad precedent for the organisation.
The message was delivered after a closed meeting of senior clerics at Lirboyo Islamic Boarding School in Kediri, East Java, on Wednesday (26/8). The meeting lasted more than an hour and was a continuation of a previous meeting at PBNU.
Spokesman for the senior clerics, KH Muhibul Aman Ali, said the ulama had identified a number of indications deemed capable of undermining the independence and dignity of the 35th NU Congress in Jombang. These included alleged conditioning, intimidation, and the issue of quarantining participants at the Sukolilo Hajj Dormitory.
He also highlighted the use of the government’s name to influence the psychological condition of congress participants. According to him, the leadership election process must proceed without pressure and continue to prioritise consideration of the best candidates.
“Choosing a leader who is not the best, even though one knows there is someone better, is a form of betrayal of Allah, the Prophet, and the founders of NU. If this dishonest process is allowed to continue and becomes a bad precedent (sunnah sayyi’ah), then the sin of that act will continue to flow until the Day of Judgement,” KH Muhibul Aman Ali stressed in conveying the senior clerics’ mandate after the meeting.
In the moral guidance delivered, the clerics asked all parties to stop the practice of political transactions, manipulation, pressure, and conditioning that could influence participants’ choices. They consider such actions capable of damaging the dignity of the ulama as well as disrupting the sovereignty of voters.
The clerics also urged the committee and parties involved to ensure that congress participants retain the freedom to make their choices. Participants from regional and branch boards were asked not to be placed in situations that make them intimidated, provoked, or deprived of freedom in making decisions.
Special attention was also directed at the government. The clerics expressed their belief that the President is neutral in the implementation of the congress. However, they requested firm action if any officials, ministers, or other parties use the President’s name or the issue of presidential blessing to influence participants.
The clerics even expressed their willingness to meet directly with the President to present evidence if alleged intervention by government officials is found. This step is considered important to maintain the government’s authority while preserving NU’s independence.
In addition, parties deemed to be attempting to disrupt the congress were asked to stop such actions and improve themselves. The clerics reminded that the entire process leading to the election of the new leadership must adhere to ethics and moral values.
Congress participants were also invited to use sound judgement in making their choices. Common sense, clarity of heart, and noble character are considered to be the foundation so that NU’s future leadership is born through a dignified process.
The results of the moral guidance were then directed to be widely known by NU structures, the congress committee, the government, and the public. The dissemination of this moral message is intended so that all parties have the same guidelines in safeguarding the 35th NU Congress process.
“This advice is a Tausiyah, a form of the senior clerics’ deep affection for NU and its students. We want the 35th NU Congress in Jombang to proceed honestly, democratically, and to maintain the dignity of the ulama as heirs of the prophets,” concluded KH Muhibul Aman Ali.