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Tensions run high ahead of NU congress
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President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo (second left) expresses his appreciation to participants of a Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) gathering at the Jakarta Convention Center in 2019. The country’s largest Muslim organization was celebrating its 93rd anniversary. (Antara/Wahyu Putro A)
T
ensions are running high within Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) ahead of its national congress, which will set the stage for members of Indonesia's largest Muslim organization to elect a new chairman, with disagreement over the congress date having erupted.
NU chairman Said Aqil Siradj said on Monday that NU had not decided on the congress date -- even though the supreme leader of its religious council, known as Rais Aam, Miftachul Akhyar, had ordered the congress to take place on Dec. 17.
"Essentially we are ready to hold the congress. We have not decided the date yet. We are checking the preparation first," Said Aqil said in a statement on Monday, when he visited the congress location in Lampung.
“We will hold a meeting this week with NU leaders to decide on the right date,” he added.
Saifullah "Gus Ipul" Yusuf, who sits on the NU executive board, previously said the supreme leader had issued a letter ordering the organizing committee to immediately take measurable steps to hold the congress on Dec 17.
"All parties must now comply with Rais Aam's decision, as the highest authority of the NU central board," Gus Ipul said on Friday.
He said the instruction was issued after a meeting last Wednesday that was supposed to decide on the congress date failed to reach consensus. It was attended by Rais Aam, NU secretary-general Helmy Faishal Zaini, NU chairman Said Aqil and Katib Aam (religious council secretary-general) Yahya Cholil Staquf -- the latter two are said to be the strongest contenders in the race for the next NU chairmanship.
