NU to hold national congress in Jombang in August

Surabaya, NU Online
Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) chairman Saifullah Yusuf, popularly known as Gus Ipul, said that the NU’s 2015 muktamar (national congress) would be held in Jombang, East Java, from Aug.1 to 7.<>

“We have prepared four pesantren [Islamic boarding schools], namely Cukir, Petorangan, Tambakberas and Tebuireng, to be used to accommodate the muktamar NU participants,” said Saifullah, who is also East Java deputy governor, on Monday (26/01).

He said the 33th muktamar would take place at the Alun-alun Jombang, where the organizing committee would set up giant tents to accommodate thousands of participants attending the opening session, meetings and plenary sessions, NU chair election and closing ceremony.

“For this year’s muktamar, especially in the election of the rois aam [law-making body leader], we will use the so-called ahlul hall wal aqdi election system. This method is used to differentiate the election of NU general chairman of lawmaking council (rais aam) and NU general chairman of executive council,” said Saifullah.

In the ahlul hall wal aqdi election system, the rois aam will be elected by representatives of senior Islamic teachers so that fights between supporters of candidates can be avoided. Meanwhile, the election of the PBNU chair will be conducted via a direct election,” said Saifullah.

Ahead of the muktamar, several people have been touted as PBNU chairman candidates. They include incumbent candidate KH Said Aqil Siroj and KH Sholahuddin Wahid or Gus Sholah, who reportedly will run for the NU chairmanship.

KH Mustofa Bisri or Gus Mus and KH Hasyim Muzadi, who is also former PBNU chairman, are considered strong candidates for rois aam.

NU Rais Syuriah (supreme council chairman) KH Mas Subadar said the Jombang muktamar was an important event as it would be used as to return to the true spirit of the NU, which celebrates its 100-year anniversary this year.

“The participants can also make a devotional visit to the graves of NU founders and leaders such, as former president KH Abdurrahman Wahid or Gus Dur,” he said.

Editing by Sudarto Murtaufiq