Yenny Wahid: Demonstrations and Chaos are Not Part of Nahdlatul Ulama Culture
Politician Yenny Wahid has emphasised that demonstrations accompanied by anger and the destruction of public facilities are not a reflection of the culture of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU). She stated that the organisation, represented by the globe symbol, always prioritises deliberation (musyawarah) to resolve any differences of opinion.
“In truth, demonstrations, followed by chaos and outbursts of anger, are not part of NU culture. The NU culture is deliberation. All matters and all differences should be discussed through deliberation,” Yenny said in Jombang, East Java, on Saturday (29/08/2026).
The daughter of Indonesia’s 4th President, KH Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur), was responding to the dynamics occurring during the 35th NU Congress. It is noted that demonstrations and tensions emerged following several decisions made within the organisation’s highest forum.
Yenny expressed regret that certain parties expressed their disappointment with the congress results through improper actions. She emphasised that the agreements reached by the congress delegates should be respected by all parties.
“If there is disappointment with the decisions, it should not be expressed through rage, damaging facilities, or breaking air conditioning units, and so on. That is not the NU way,” she asserted.
In addition to addressing orderliness, Yenny also shared her views regarding the decision on the “political cooling-off period” (masa iddah politik) for NU officials. She assessed that this policy is vital to maintaining the organisation’s dignity and ensuring it remains distanced from practical political interests.
According to Yenny, this distance is necessary so that NU remains neutral and is not easily intervened upon by the interests of specific political parties. “NU remains neutral; NU stands above all political parties; NU’s politics is nationalistic,” she added.
She further noted that NU’s nationalistic politics must focus on the affairs of the people and the nation, maintaining unity, and promoting the welfare of the wider community.
Regarding the mechanism for electing leaders through the Ahlul Halli wal Aqdi (AHWA) system, Yenny expressed great hope in the elected clerics. She believes the scholars within the AHWA possess the wisdom to determine the best leadership for the PBNU.
“They are all learned, all experts in jurisprudence. We certainly place great hope that they will be able to make the most appropriate decisions in selecting the Rais Aam as well as selecting the general chairman candidates in the future,” said Yenny.
Concluding her statement, Yenny urged all delegates and related parties to respect the decisions of the scholars to ensure the continuity of NU as it faces challenges in the organisation’s second century.