TGB Name Mentioned in House Commission III Hearing on Santri Burning Case, NWDI Clarifies
The Executive Board of Nahdlatul Wathan Diniyah Islamiyah (PB NWDI) has spoken out regarding the mention of Tuan Guru Bajang (TGB) Muhammad Zainul Majdi’s name during a Hearing Meeting (RDP) at House Commission III on Monday (13/7/2026). The RDP discussed the alleged burning case of three santri at a pesantren affiliated with the Executive Board of Nahdlatul Wathan (PBNW).
PB NWDI Executive Secretary, Abdul Fattah, stressed that NWDI and NW are two different community organisations (ormas). Both were established independently with their own respective management and responsibilities.
“This is based on the Decree of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia Number: AHU-0003728.AH.01.07.TAHUN 2021. Nahdlatul Wathan (NW) and NWDI are two different community organisations,” said Abdul Fattah on Tuesday (14/7/2026).
Fattah explained that due to their different statuses, the two organisations manage educational institutions, pesantren, and charitable enterprises separately in administrative terms.
Therefore, Fattah corrected the misinformation stating that the Raudlatussaulatiyah Al Ibrahimy NW Islamic Boarding School was affiliated with the NWDI organisation under TGB’s leadership. The fact is that the pesantren is affiliated with PBNW.
“Based on administrative data and institutional affiliation, the Raudlatussaulatiyah Al Ibrahimy NW Islamic Boarding School is affiliated with the Nahdlatul Wathan (NW) organisation, not NWDI,” he asserted.
Despite the lack of affiliation, Fattah assured that NWDI respects and fully supports a just law enforcement process. His organisation upholds the principle of presumption of innocence in addressing this case.
“We fully entrust the handling of the case to law enforcement officials. NWDI supports the legal process being carried out professionally, objectively, transparently, accountably, and fairly,” he stated.
Fattah hopes that all facts in this alleged santri burning case can be clearly revealed based on valid evidence, without any intervention or manipulation of public opinion.
Fattah also affirmed NWDI’s strong commitment to supporting education that is dignified, child-friendly, and free from all forms of violence within the pesantren environment.
“Whether it is physical, psychological, sexual violence, bullying, or other forms of violence,” said Fattah.
His organisation encourages all educational institutions under the NWDI umbrella to continuously strengthen santri protection systems and comply with applicable laws and regulations.
Finally, he appealed to the public and mass media to be more careful in presenting information so as not to cause misunderstandings that could harm other parties.
“We invite all elements of society, mass media, community leaders, and stakeholders to convey information carefully, accurately, and in a balanced manner. Avoid mentioning organisational affiliations that are not based on correct data,” concluded Fattah.