Gus Lilur: NU Congress Must Be Free of Money Politics, Don’t Mortgage the Organization’s Future

Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) figure, Khallilur R Abdullah Sahlawiy or Gus Lilur (NU doc)

JAKARTA - Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) figure, Khallilur R Abdullah Sahlawiy or Gus Lilur reminded that the upcoming NU Congress should be free from the practice of political money. According to him, this practice not only harms the election process, but also has the potential to damage the future of the organization.

"From the beginning it must be emphasized, money politics is haram. NU should not be built on something that is haram," said Gus Lilur, Monday, April 6.

He emphasized that the ban on political money is not just a norm, but an direction that will determine the quality of the Congress, whether it becomes a dignified forum or merely an arena of transactions.

Gus Lilur also reminded all participants in the Congress not to be involved in this practice, both as recipients and as parties who distribute it.

"Not accepting, not negotiating, let alone being part of its distribution, especially if it comes from corrupt practices. This is not only a violation of ethics, but also legal risks," he said.

He assessed that the involvement of political money had the potential to drag organizations into serious problems, including money laundering (TPPU).

"This is not just selling votes, but also mortgaging the future of NU," he said.

In addition, Gus Lilur encouraged the General Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) to carry out internal cleansing against parties suspected of being involved in corrupt practices in order to maintain the integrity of the organization.

"NU must show that integrity is not just a slogan, but a standard that must be upheld," he said.

He also highlighted the image of NU which was considered to be affected by the issue of power management, including the alleged corruption case in the organization of the hajj, which he said had affected public perception.

"In a moral-based organization like NU, public trust is the main capital. The National Congress must be a momentum to restore that trust," he said.

Furthermore, Gus Lilur reminded NU not to become a vehicle for political power. He assessed that the organization was often the target of various political interests.

"NU must maintain its independence. If not, NU will lose its role as a guardian of the nation's morals," he said.

He emphasized that the leadership of NU in the future must return to the figure of a cleric who has integrity, depth of knowledge, and moral firmness.

"This muktamar is not just about who is elected, but what values are won," said Gus Lilur.