NU's 35th National Congress Committee Considered Unreasonable

Bangkalan, Madura - The caretaker of the Sembilangan Pondok Pesantren (PP), Bangkalan, Madura, KH. Muhammad Shofwan Taj (Lora Shofwan) considers it reasonable if there is suspicion of the nahdliyyin towards the composition of the 35th NU National Committee, as well as the implementation of the Konbes and Munas Alim Ulama.

Because, the suspicion is not only triggered by figures and composition in the core committee structure, but also concerns the heart of the jam'iyyah spirit that seems to be at stake in the PBNU meeting decision.

"Nahdliyyin carefully observes the preparation of the 35th NU Congress, as well as the Konbes and Munas Alim Ulama. The initial response is filled with suspicion. It is not just a normal anomaly, but a strong signal of a shift in direction and the potential for unrest," said Lora Shofwan in her statement, Sunday, April 5.

He explained that the obligation of Rais Aam and the General Chairperson of PBNU as the mandataries of the 34th Congress is to hold the next congress, namely the 35th Congress, together.

"This responsibility should run in a linear and proportionally delegated manner in the Rais Aam structure and its representatives, as well as the General Chairman of PBNU with his deputy ranks," he said.

In this case, the syuriyah function is carried out through the role of the steering committee (SC), while the tanfidziyah function is carried out by the organizing committee (OC).

"However, it began to appear suspicious, in the PBNU meeting, the Chairman of the SC was Katib Aam (KH Said Asrori), while the Secretary of the SC was Rais PBNU (Prof. M. Nuh). The question is, why not the Deputy Rais Aam? Likewise, at the OC, the Chairman was held by the General Secretary (Gus Ipul), while the position of the Secretary was held by the Deputy General Chairman, H. Amin Said Husni," he explained.

According to Lora Shofwan, the composition of this core committee is not seen to follow the usual standards, and the placement of figures based on their positions is awkward and disproportionate.

The biggest highlight is the name of Saefullah Yusuf as the Chairman of the Committee, who is one of the centers in the previous PBNU conflict.

At the same time, Gus Ipul served as Secretary General of PBNU who should focus on resolving various internal problems, such as the SK PW-PCNU which was abandoned and the secretariat management which was not neatly arranged.

"In addition, his position as a minister in the cabinet opens up the assumption of the potential for a bridge of power interests that can enter the body of the NU jam'iyyah," he added.

Lora Shofwan emphasized that NU does not belong to a few people, let alone to be used in the muktamar event for the sake of practical and pragmatic political interests.

The independence and sovereignty of NU is the heart of the organization that must be maintained.

Therefore, the concerns of these nahdliyyin are a critical reminder of NU, especially regarding the muktamar committee, which should not be seen as an attitude of opposition. Openness of mind must be accompanied by openness of advice for the common good.

"NU must always maintain a healthy distance from power so that it is still able to provide direction. NU is not an elite or oligarchy funnel, nor a propaganda blanket for a regime that ignores the suffering of the people," he said.