#prabowosubianto — Public Fediverse posts

Op-Ed: Does Indonesia’s Largest Religious Organization Nahdlatul Ulama Need An Anti-Corruption Body?

Gus Yahya and Gus Kikin

By Muhammad Hanifuddin for Islami.co, Sept 13, 2026

Both of the newly inaugurated leaders of Indonesia’s largest Muslim organisation Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) are true “NU blue blood.” The villages of Leteh in Rembang district and Tebuireng in Jombang district are villages that have been inextricably linked with Nahdlatul Ulama for generations. The Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) in villages of Leteh and Tebuireng are custodians of the scholarly lineages (sanad) of the archipelago’s Islamic scholars (ulama).

So it is no surprise that these two figures possess abundant social capital. Both well deserve to be referred to using the respectful title of endearment “Gus,” even today, even though both should by now be addressed using the more formal title “Kiai” as senior religious teachers. In addition, neither man’s personal abilities are in doubt. There is consequently no reason to frame them as being in competition with each other—except in the eyes of political brokers.

Both also have impressive ideas and records of service. Over the past five years, Gus Yahya (Kyai Haji Yahya Cholil Staquf) has fulfilled his mandate as the chair of NU’s national leadership council (PBNU). His annual “state of the association” address, or accountability report, was accepted by acclamation at NU’s national congress at Tambak Beras held from August 27 to 31, 2026.

Likewise, Gus Kikin (Kiai Haji Abdul Hakim Mahfudz) has demonstrated a calm leadership style as chair of NU’s East Java provincial leadership council (PWNU). At the same time, he has continued to lead the Tebuireng pesantren, a role for which he was prepared even before the passing of the previous leader Kiai Haji Sholahuddin Wahid (1942-2020). Gus Kikin has continued and developed Gus Sholah’s legacy, and Tebuireng has continued to prosper. His managerial experience in the oil industry has meant that Gus Kikin has not faced any significant difficulties in leading Tebuireng.

At NU’s 34th Congress in Lampung, Gus Yahya published a book titled “PBNU: The Great Struggle of Nahdlatul Ulama” (PBNU: Perjuangan Besar Nahdlatul Ulama). The book presents Gus Yahya’s ideas, particularly his vision, mission and aspirations for his time serving on NU’s national leadership council (PBNU).

His dream is ambitious and global: to lead NU in building world civilization—not merely at the local level, much less only at the national level. I have read the book numerous times. Over the past five years, Gus Yahya’s leadership has largely followed the ideas he set out in it. Much has already been achieved, including the establishment of a system of governance, digitization and the strategic positioning of NU.

If we examine the matter closely, we can understand—though we are of course free to disagree—why Gus Yahya has appeared “close” to government programs, both during the government of former president Joko Widodo and under Indonesia’s current president Prabowo Subianto. All of this can be seen as part of an effort to place NU within a broader sphere of service.

Similarly, at this year’s 35th Congress in Tambak Beras in NU’s East Java heartland city of Jombang, Gus Kikin published a book titled “An Exposition of the Fundamental Laws” (Syarah Qanun Asasi). The book elaborates on NU’s fundamental values. On many occasions, Gus Kikin has emphasized that, if entrusted with the position of chair of the PBNU, he would revive the organization’s fundamental laws (Qanun Asasi).

Previously, at the Lampung Congress, Gus Yahya also sought to revive the ideas of former NU leader and Indonesia’s fourth president Gus Dur (1940-2009). Both aspirations are laudable. They arise from roughly the same concern: how NU can remain firmly grounded in the legacy of its predecessors while also responding to the challenges of present times.

In the introduction to Syarah Qanun Asasi, Gus Kikin states that the book is written to reintroduce the thought of NU’s founding spiritual anti-colonial nationalist founder, Hadlaratussyaikh Hasyim Asy’ari (1875–1947), in a complete, profound and contextualized form. The book is intended to guide NU as it enters its second century, ensuring that its path of service follows the vision of its founders.

Gus Yahya often expresses a similar spirit: Let us practice NU according to the madhhab (school of interpretation within Islamic jurisprudence) of its founders—and no other.

After the 35th Congress, Gus Kikin was inaugurated as the chair of NU’s national leadership council (PBNU). He is continuing much of the legacy left by Gus Yahya’s leadership.

Given these similarities, we should show both men our deepest respect. Gus Yahya’s leadership has given NU a distinct character and genuine renewed fervor. Likewise, we should give Gus Kikin the time and opportunity to serve and to reintroduce the values of the fundamental laws (Qanun Asasi) as NU enters its second century.

What, then, should be made of the allegations of bribery and manipulation of the Congress? Does NU need an institution responsible for law enforcement and prevention? Is there an urgent need for NU to establish an anti-bribery institution modeled on the national anti-corruption commission (KPK)?

These questions cannot be left unresolved. NU needs a dignified and clear solution consistent with the values passed down by its founders. May a path to a resolution ultimately be found.

Muhammad Hanifuddin is a professor at Darus-Sunnah International Institute for Hadith Sciences and the Political Literacy Institute Ciputat activist. This post is based on https://islami.co/gus-yahya-dan-gus-kikin/. Photo via Islami.co.

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Op-Ed: Does Indonesia’s Largest Religious Organization Nahdlatul Ulama Need An Anti-Corruption Body?

Gus Yahya and Gus Kikin

By Muhammad Hanifuddin for Islami.co, Sept 13, 2026

Both of the newly inaugurated leaders of Indonesia’s largest Muslim organisation Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) are true “NU blue blood.” The villages of Leteh in Rembang district and Tebuireng in Jombang district are villages that have been inextricably linked with Nahdlatul Ulama for generations. The Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) in villages of Leteh and Tebuireng are custodians of the scholarly lineages (sanad) of the archipelago’s Islamic scholars (ulama).

So it is no surprise that these two figures possess abundant social capital. Both well deserve to be referred to using the respectful title of endearment “Gus,” even today, even though both should by now be addressed using the more formal title “Kiai” as senior religious teachers. In addition, neither man’s personal abilities are in doubt. There is consequently no reason to frame them as being in competition with each other—except in the eyes of political brokers.

Both also have impressive ideas and records of service. Over the past five years, Gus Yahya (Kyai Haji Yahya Cholil Staquf) has fulfilled his mandate as the chair of NU’s national leadership council (PBNU). His annual “state of the association” address, or accountability report, was accepted by acclamation at NU’s national congress at Tambak Beras held from August 27 to 31, 2026.

Likewise, Gus Kikin (Kiai Haji Abdul Hakim Mahfudz) has demonstrated a calm leadership style as chair of NU’s East Java provincial leadership council (PWNU). At the same time, he has continued to lead the Tebuireng pesantren, a role for which he was prepared even before the passing of the previous leader Kiai Haji Sholahuddin Wahid (1942-2020). Gus Kikin has continued and developed Gus Sholah’s legacy, and Tebuireng has continued to prosper. His managerial experience in the oil industry has meant that Gus Kikin has not faced any significant difficulties in leading Tebuireng.

At NU’s 34th Congress in Lampung, Gus Yahya published a book titled “PBNU: The Great Struggle of Nahdlatul Ulama” (PBNU: Perjuangan Besar Nahdlatul Ulama). The book presents Gus Yahya’s ideas, particularly his vision, mission and aspirations for his time serving on NU’s national leadership council (PBNU).

His dream is ambitious and global: to lead NU in building world civilization—not merely at the local level, much less only at the national level. I have read the book numerous times. Over the past five years, Gus Yahya’s leadership has largely followed the ideas he set out in it. Much has already been achieved, including the establishment of a system of governance, digitization and the strategic positioning of NU.

If we examine the matter closely, we can understand—though we are of course free to disagree—why Gus Yahya has appeared “close” to government programs, both during the government of former president Joko Widodo and under Indonesia’s current president Prabowo Subianto. All of this can be seen as part of an effort to place NU within a broader sphere of service.

Similarly, at this year’s 35th Congress in Tambak Beras in NU’s East Java heartland city of Jombang, Gus Kikin published a book titled “An Exposition of the Fundamental Laws” (Syarah Qanun Asasi). The book elaborates on NU’s fundamental values. On many occasions, Gus Kikin has emphasized that, if entrusted with the position of chair of the PBNU, he would revive the organization’s fundamental laws (Qanun Asasi).

Previously, at the Lampung Congress, Gus Yahya also sought to revive the ideas of former NU leader and Indonesia’s fourth president Gus Dur (1940-2009). Both aspirations are laudable. They arise from roughly the same concern: how NU can remain firmly grounded in the legacy of its predecessors while also responding to the challenges of present times.

In the introduction to Syarah Qanun Asasi, Gus Kikin states that the book is written to reintroduce the thought of NU’s founding spiritual anti-colonial nationalist founder, Hadlaratussyaikh Hasyim Asy’ari (1875–1947), in a complete, profound and contextualized form. The book is intended to guide NU as it enters its second century, ensuring that its path of service follows the vision of its founders.

Gus Yahya often expresses a similar spirit: Let us practice NU according to the madhhab (school of interpretation within Islamic jurisprudence) of its founders—and no other.

After the 35th Congress, Gus Kikin was inaugurated as the chair of NU’s national leadership council (PBNU). He is continuing much of the legacy left by Gus Yahya’s leadership.

Given these similarities, we should show both men our deepest respect. Gus Yahya’s leadership has given NU a distinct character and genuine renewed fervor. Likewise, we should give Gus Kikin the time and opportunity to serve and to reintroduce the values of the fundamental laws (Qanun Asasi) as NU enters its second century.

What, then, should be made of the allegations of bribery and manipulation of the Congress? Does NU need an institution responsible for law enforcement and prevention? Is there an urgent need for NU to establish an anti-bribery institution modeled on the national anti-corruption commission (KPK)?

These questions cannot be left unresolved. NU needs a dignified and clear solution consistent with the values passed down by its founders. May a path to a resolution ultimately be found.

Muhammad Hanifuddin is a professor at Darus-Sunnah International Institute for Hadith Sciences and the Political Literacy Institute Ciputat activist. This post is based on https://islami.co/gus-yahya-dan-gus-kikin/. Photo via Islami.co.

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Op-Ed: Does Indonesia’s Largest Religious Organization Nahdlatul Ulama Need An Anti-Corruption Body?

Gus Yahya and Gus Kikin

By Muhammad Hanifuddin for Islami.co, Sept 13, 2026

Both of the newly inaugurated leaders of Indonesia’s largest Muslim organisation Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) are true “NU blue blood.” The villages of Leteh in Rembang district and Tebuireng in Jombang district are villages that have been inextricably linked with Nahdlatul Ulama for generations. The Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) in villages of Leteh and Tebuireng are custodians of the scholarly lineages (sanad) of the archipelago’s Islamic scholars (ulama).

So it is no surprise that these two figures possess abundant social capital. Both well deserve to be referred to using the respectful title of endearment “Gus,” even today, even though both should by now be addressed using the more formal title “Kiai” as senior religious teachers. In addition, neither man’s personal abilities are in doubt. There is consequently no reason to frame them as being in competition with each other—except in the eyes of political brokers.

Both also have impressive ideas and records of service. Over the past five years, Gus Yahya (Kyai Haji Yahya Cholil Staquf) has fulfilled his mandate as the chair of NU’s national leadership council (PBNU). His annual “state of the association” address, or accountability report, was accepted by acclamation at NU’s national congress at Tambak Beras held from August 27 to 31, 2026.

Likewise, Gus Kikin (Kiai Haji Abdul Hakim Mahfudz) has demonstrated a calm leadership style as chair of NU’s East Java provincial leadership council (PWNU). At the same time, he has continued to lead the Tebuireng pesantren, a role for which he was prepared even before the passing of the previous leader Kiai Haji Sholahuddin Wahid (1942-2020). Gus Kikin has continued and developed Gus Sholah’s legacy, and Tebuireng has continued to prosper. His managerial experience in the oil industry has meant that Gus Kikin has not faced any significant difficulties in leading Tebuireng.

At NU’s 34th Congress in Lampung, Gus Yahya published a book titled “PBNU: The Great Struggle of Nahdlatul Ulama” (PBNU: Perjuangan Besar Nahdlatul Ulama). The book presents Gus Yahya’s ideas, particularly his vision, mission and aspirations for his time serving on NU’s national leadership council (PBNU).

His dream is ambitious and global: to lead NU in building world civilization—not merely at the local level, much less only at the national level. I have read the book numerous times. Over the past five years, Gus Yahya’s leadership has largely followed the ideas he set out in it. Much has already been achieved, including the establishment of a system of governance, digitization and the strategic positioning of NU.

If we examine the matter closely, we can understand—though we are of course free to disagree—why Gus Yahya has appeared “close” to government programs, both during the government of former president Joko Widodo and under Indonesia’s current president Prabowo Subianto. All of this can be seen as part of an effort to place NU within a broader sphere of service.

Similarly, at this year’s 35th Congress in Tambak Beras in NU’s East Java heartland city of Jombang, Gus Kikin published a book titled “An Exposition of the Fundamental Laws” (Syarah Qanun Asasi). The book elaborates on NU’s fundamental values. On many occasions, Gus Kikin has emphasized that, if entrusted with the position of chair of the PBNU, he would revive the organization’s fundamental laws (Qanun Asasi).

Previously, at the Lampung Congress, Gus Yahya also sought to revive the ideas of former NU leader and Indonesia’s fourth president Gus Dur (1940-2009). Both aspirations are laudable. They arise from roughly the same concern: how NU can remain firmly grounded in the legacy of its predecessors while also responding to the challenges of present times.

In the introduction to Syarah Qanun Asasi, Gus Kikin states that the book is written to reintroduce the thought of NU’s founding spiritual anti-colonial nationalist founder, Hadlaratussyaikh Hasyim Asy’ari (1875–1947), in a complete, profound and contextualized form. The book is intended to guide NU as it enters its second century, ensuring that its path of service follows the vision of its founders.

Gus Yahya often expresses a similar spirit: Let us practice NU according to the madhhab (school of interpretation within Islamic jurisprudence) of its founders—and no other.

After the 35th Congress, Gus Kikin was inaugurated as the chair of NU’s national leadership council (PBNU). He is continuing much of the legacy left by Gus Yahya’s leadership.

Given these similarities, we should show both men our deepest respect. Gus Yahya’s leadership has given NU a distinct character and genuine renewed fervor. Likewise, we should give Gus Kikin the time and opportunity to serve and to reintroduce the values of the fundamental laws (Qanun Asasi) as NU enters its second century.

What, then, should be made of the allegations of bribery and manipulation of the Congress? Does NU need an institution responsible for law enforcement and prevention? Is there an urgent need for NU to establish an anti-bribery institution modeled on the national anti-corruption commission (KPK)?

These questions cannot be left unresolved. NU needs a dignified and clear solution consistent with the values passed down by its founders. May a path to a resolution ultimately be found.

Muhammad Hanifuddin is a professor at Darus-Sunnah International Institute for Hadith Sciences and the Political Literacy Institute Ciputat activist. This post is based on https://islami.co/gus-yahya-dan-gus-kikin/. Photo via Islami.co.

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Op-Ed: Does Indonesia’s Largest Religious Organization Nahdlatul Ulama Need An Anti-Corruption Body?

Gus Yahya and Gus Kikin

By Muhammad Hanifuddin for Islami.co, Sept 13, 2026

Both of the newly inaugurated leaders of Indonesia’s largest Muslim organisation Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) are true “NU blue blood.” The villages of Leteh in Rembang district and Tebuireng in Jombang district are villages that have been inextricably linked with Nahdlatul Ulama for generations. The Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) in villages of Leteh and Tebuireng are custodians of the scholarly lineages (sanad) of the archipelago’s Islamic scholars (ulama).

So it is no surprise that these two figures possess abundant social capital. Both well deserve to be referred to using the respectful title of endearment “Gus,” even today, even though both should by now be addressed using the more formal title “Kiai” as senior religious teachers. In addition, neither man’s personal abilities are in doubt. There is consequently no reason to frame them as being in competition with each other—except in the eyes of political brokers.

Both also have impressive ideas and records of service. Over the past five years, Gus Yahya (Kyai Haji Yahya Cholil Staquf) has fulfilled his mandate as the chair of NU’s national leadership council (PBNU). His annual “state of the association” address, or accountability report, was accepted by acclamation at NU’s national congress at Tambak Beras held from August 27 to 31, 2026.

Likewise, Gus Kikin (Kiai Haji Abdul Hakim Mahfudz) has demonstrated a calm leadership style as chair of NU’s East Java provincial leadership council (PWNU). At the same time, he has continued to lead the Tebuireng pesantren, a role for which he was prepared even before the passing of the previous leader Kiai Haji Sholahuddin Wahid (1942-2020). Gus Kikin has continued and developed Gus Sholah’s legacy, and Tebuireng has continued to prosper. His managerial experience in the oil industry has meant that Gus Kikin has not faced any significant difficulties in leading Tebuireng.

At NU’s 34th Congress in Lampung, Gus Yahya published a book titled “PBNU: The Great Struggle of Nahdlatul Ulama” (PBNU: Perjuangan Besar Nahdlatul Ulama). The book presents Gus Yahya’s ideas, particularly his vision, mission and aspirations for his time serving on NU’s national leadership council (PBNU).

His dream is ambitious and global: to lead NU in building world civilization—not merely at the local level, much less only at the national level. I have read the book numerous times. Over the past five years, Gus Yahya’s leadership has largely followed the ideas he set out in it. Much has already been achieved, including the establishment of a system of governance, digitization and the strategic positioning of NU.

If we examine the matter closely, we can understand—though we are of course free to disagree—why Gus Yahya has appeared “close” to government programs, both during the government of former president Joko Widodo and under Indonesia’s current president Prabowo Subianto. All of this can be seen as part of an effort to place NU within a broader sphere of service.

Similarly, at this year’s 35th Congress in Tambak Beras in NU’s East Java heartland city of Jombang, Gus Kikin published a book titled “An Exposition of the Fundamental Laws” (Syarah Qanun Asasi). The book elaborates on NU’s fundamental values. On many occasions, Gus Kikin has emphasized that, if entrusted with the position of chair of the PBNU, he would revive the organization’s fundamental laws (Qanun Asasi).

Previously, at the Lampung Congress, Gus Yahya also sought to revive the ideas of former NU leader and Indonesia’s fourth president Gus Dur (1940-2009). Both aspirations are laudable. They arise from roughly the same concern: how NU can remain firmly grounded in the legacy of its predecessors while also responding to the challenges of present times.

In the introduction to Syarah Qanun Asasi, Gus Kikin states that the book is written to reintroduce the thought of NU’s founding spiritual anti-colonial nationalist founder, Hadlaratussyaikh Hasyim Asy’ari (1875–1947), in a complete, profound and contextualized form. The book is intended to guide NU as it enters its second century, ensuring that its path of service follows the vision of its founders.

Gus Yahya often expresses a similar spirit: Let us practice NU according to the madhhab (school of interpretation within Islamic jurisprudence) of its founders—and no other.

After the 35th Congress, Gus Kikin was inaugurated as the chair of NU’s national leadership council (PBNU). He is continuing much of the legacy left by Gus Yahya’s leadership.

Given these similarities, we should show both men our deepest respect. Gus Yahya’s leadership has given NU a distinct character and genuine renewed fervor. Likewise, we should give Gus Kikin the time and opportunity to serve and to reintroduce the values of the fundamental laws (Qanun Asasi) as NU enters its second century.

What, then, should be made of the allegations of bribery and manipulation of the Congress? Does NU need an institution responsible for law enforcement and prevention? Is there an urgent need for NU to establish an anti-bribery institution modeled on the national anti-corruption commission (KPK)?

These questions cannot be left unresolved. NU needs a dignified and clear solution consistent with the values passed down by its founders. May a path to a resolution ultimately be found.

Muhammad Hanifuddin is a professor at Darus-Sunnah International Institute for Hadith Sciences and the Political Literacy Institute Ciputat activist. This post is based on https://islami.co/gus-yahya-dan-gus-kikin/. Photo via Islami.co.

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