KEDIRI, East Java, June 20, 2026 — KH. Fahim Royani, caretaker of the renowned Al Falah Ploso Islamic Boarding School in Kediri, East Java, warmly received Gus Hery Haryanto Azumi and his delegation on Saturday, expressing optimism over his potential candidacy for chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama’s Executive Board (PBNU) at the upcoming 35th NU Congress.
The meeting, held at the Al Falah Ploso pesantren complex, formed part of a broader series of consultations and religious gatherings ahead of the National Conference of Ulama and other major NU forums scheduled to take place at the institution.
Gus Hery’s delegation was led by Dr. H. Fadli Yasir, MA, and included several prominent NU intellectuals and academics, among them Dr. M. Khozin, MSc, Dr. Eng. Akhmad Khusyairi, MT, Coach Syarief, Adri, MSi, Syaiful Anwar, SE, Waki Ats Tsaqofi, and other NU cadres.
Speaking during the gathering, Fahim expressed his appreciation for the visit and praised the presence of NU intellectuals educated at leading universities both in Indonesia and abroad. He said the combination of religious commitment, academic excellence, organizational experience, and global networks represented an important asset for the future of Nahdlatul Ulama.
The discussion centered on challenges facing NU ahead of its 35th Congress and the organization’s need for a new generation of leadership capable of guiding the world’s largest Muslim organization through its second century.
Fahim said NU requires a leader who is deeply rooted in the pesantren tradition while also possessing a broad understanding of national and global affairs.
“I am truly grateful and delighted by the presence of Gus Hery and his remarkable team. At a time when many of us have been asking who should lead NU into the future, his presence offers a refreshing answer. NU needs leaders who emerge from the santri tradition, understand the pesantren world, yet are equally capable of navigating politics, economics, international relations, technological development, and global networks. Most importantly, all of this must be driven by sincere dedication to NU and the welfare of Nahdliyin,” Fahim said.
Upon hearing of Gus Hery’s readiness to contest the PBNU chairmanship, Fahim offered words of encouragement and spiritual advice.
“I am very pleased to hear that Gus Hery is prepared to participate in the upcoming PBNU leadership contest. From this moment forward, the most important thing is to purify one’s intention. Let this be a sincere act of service to NU. When intentions are noble and genuine, God will open paths through every challenge and difficulty. A struggle founded upon sincerity will always find divine assistance,” he said.
Fahim described NU as more than merely an organization for its followers, calling it a deeply rooted social and religious commitment that requires responsible stewardship.
“For Nahdliyin, NU is not simply an institution; it is part of a living tradition and a social creed. Anyone entrusted with leading NU must embrace that responsibility with conviction, patience, sincerity, and a willingness to sacrifice for the benefit of the community. Leading NU is not about position or prestige; it is about service,” he said.
The senior cleric also described Gus Hery’s emergence as a new contender in the PBNU race as a positive development for the organization.
“The presence of Gus Hery in this contest brings fresh energy to NU. What we need today is leadership that promotes unity rather than conflict, service rather than division. Gus Hery is a cadre who has remained largely free from organizational conflict, possesses the necessary capabilities, and has demonstrated a genuine commitment to serving the organization. I believe he has the qualities needed to help guide NU confidently into its second century,” Fahim said.
According to Fahim, one of Gus Hery’s strengths is his longstanding concern for Islamic scholars and pesantren communities throughout Indonesia, despite not managing a pesantren himself.
“I see in Gus Hery a quality that is quite rare. Although he does not lead a pesantren, he consistently shows concern for kiai and Islamic boarding schools across the country. In some ways, this reminds me of Gus Dur. He was not remembered for expanding his own pesantren, but for his devotion to scholars and pesantren throughout the archipelago. A leader of NU must possess that breadth of vision and concern for all Nahdliyin,” he said.
Responding to Fahim’s question regarding his decision to enter the PBNU race, Gus Hery said the move was rooted in advice he had received years earlier from prominent descendants of NU founder KH. Hasyim Asy’ari, namely Nyai Lily Wahid and KH. Hasyim Wahid, widely known as Gus Iim.
“I still vividly remember the advice given to me by the late Nyai Lily Wahid and Gus Iim. They once told me that one day I should dedicate myself sincerely and wholeheartedly to NU, without calculating personal gain or loss. Those words have remained with me ever since. What I am doing today is simply an effort to fulfill that moral responsibility and answer the call to serve NU,” Gus Hery said.
The gathering concluded with a joint prayer and expressions of support for the future of the organization. Fahim offered a special prayer for Gus Hery, asking that his path be eased should he choose to pursue the PBNU chairmanship.
“I pray that Allah grants Gus Hery strength, health, wisdom, and ease in every step he takes. May his efforts bring benefit to NU, the Muslim community, and the nation. If his intention is truly for the advancement of the organization, God will surely open the way,” Fahim said.
The meeting formed part of a broader series of consultations and grassroots engagements ahead of the 35th NU Congress, which is expected to shape the future direction and leadership of Nahdlatul Ulama as it enters its second century of service to Indonesian society.
[Samsul Muarif]