Visiting PWNU-PCNU NTB, Gus Salam Highlights Halal Tourism Potential for Community Economic Independence

During a visit to the PWNU and PCNU in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) on Friday, 31 July 2026, the caretaker of PP Mamba’ul Ma’arif Denanyar, Jombang, East Java, KH. Abdussalam Shohib, also known as Gus Salam, shared motivational messages from KH Nurul Huda Djazuli (Mbah Yai Da’). Mbah Yai Da’ is a senior figure in NU and the pesantren system, serving as a consultant for PBNU for the 2021-2026 period.

Quoting Mbah Yai Da’, Gus Salam expressed the elder’s concern regarding internal NU conflicts and encouraged active participation in the upcoming Muktamar to seek leadership. Gus Salam stated that as a student of the tradition, he remains committed to following the guidance and instructions of his teachers and the NU elders. He noted that his efforts to engage with various provinces, including this visit to NTB, are part of a broader mission to absorb aspirations and build trust with NU officials and figures.

Addressing the leadership of PWNU-PCNU across NTB, Gus Salam highlighted the importance of leveraging regional potential to drive economic growth. He specifically pointed to the tourism sector as a primary driver for the local economy. “NU must encourage, and even facilitate, the economic empowerment of NU members within the tourism sector. This should focus on halal tourism that is high-quality and inclusive, given the immense economic potential in NTB,” Gus Salam stated.

He concluded by emphasising that achieving economic independence is a religious necessity to support the preservation of faith through the functions of Nahdlatul Ulama.