JAKARTA – Support for Gus Hery Haryanto Azumi’s bid to become Chairman of the Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) continues to grow as Indonesia’s largest Islamic organization prepares for its 35th Congress.
On Thursday evening (June 25), Gus Hery and his delegation visited the residence of former PBNU Chairman Prof. Dr. KH. Said Aqil Siroj in Ciganjur, South Jakarta, as part of a series of courtesy visits to senior Islamic scholars and respected NU leaders.
The gathering was also attended by KH. Taufik Rachman Abdul Syakur, founder, former Secretary General, and former Chairman of the Association of Super Semar Scholarship Alumni (KMAPBS) for the 1986–2002 period. The organization has played a significant role in Indonesia’s national cadre development, with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto previously serving as Chairman of its Advisory Council between 1990 and 2003.
Gus Hery’s delegation was led by Dr. H. Fadli Yasir, MA, and included Dr. Eng. Akhmad Khusyaeri, MT, Coach A. Syarief C., SE, QWP, CPC, Syaiful Anwar, SE, and Dr. Waki Ats Tsaqofi.
The meeting was marked by a warm and constructive discussion focusing on the future of Nahdlatul Ulama, leadership challenges in the organization’s second century, and the importance of preserving unity among NU members ahead of the upcoming congress.
During the meeting, KH. Said Aqil Siroj expressed his prayers and blessing for Gus Hery’s decision to enter the race for PBNU chairman, emphasizing that every NU cadre with sincere intentions to serve the organization deserves the opportunity to contribute.
“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May Allah, the Sovereign of all authority, grant the best path. If leadership is destined for Gus Hery, may Allah bless him with strength, wisdom, sincerity, and steadfastness to lead Nahdlatul Ulama with responsibility and devotion,” Said Aqil prayed.
The former PBNU chairman described Gus Hery as someone with important qualifications, citing his background as an Islamic scholar, a long-time NU cadre, and an individual actively engaged in organizational and community service.
“The most important qualities of an NU leader are sincerity in serving the organization, commitment to preserving the traditions of Ahlussunnah wal Jamaah, and the ability to unite every element of the jam’iyah. Organizational experience, extensive networks, and the capacity to understand the challenges of changing times are essential assets for leading NU into the future,” Said Aqil said.
The meeting was also attended by KH. Abdul Manan Ghani, Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) for Da’wah Affairs and one of the national leaders of the Indonesian Mosque Council (DMI), who previously served in the PBNU leadership during Said Aqil’s tenure.
Abdul Manan Ghani welcomed Gus Hery’s decision to join the leadership contest, describing leadership regeneration as essential to ensuring NU remains dynamic, adaptive, and capable of responding to contemporary challenges.
“Nahdlatul Ulama needs its finest cadres to step forward and be ready to shoulder leadership responsibilities. The more NU figures with organizational experience, intellectual capacity, broad perspectives, and moral integrity participate in the process, the healthier our regeneration will become. The congress is not simply about electing a chairman—it is about determining NU’s future direction,” he said.
According to Abdul Manan Ghani, Gus Hery possesses valuable organizational experience, both nationally and internationally, while consistently demonstrating commitment to strengthening Islamic boarding schools, education, and community empowerment.
“I believe Gus Hery has sufficient experience, extensive networks, and genuine dedication to public service. Above all, every candidate must place the interests of Nahdlatul Ulama and the Muslim community above personal or group interests. Whoever is ultimately elected should strengthen NU’s independence, credibility, and influence both nationally and globally,” he added.
He also called on NU members across Indonesia to make the 35th Congress an opportunity to reinforce unity despite political competition.
“Competition is natural, but brotherhood must always remain our strongest foundation. Differences in political preference should never weaken our commitment to serving Nahdlatul Ulama. NU will grow stronger when its cadres compete in dedication rather than division,” Abdul Manan Ghani stressed.
Meanwhile, KH. Taufik Rachman Abdul Syakur reminded participants that leadership contests within NU should be viewed primarily as a form of service rather than political rivalry.
“My message to Gus Hery is to remain sincere and steadfast throughout this journey. Serve Nahdlatul Ulama and the Muslim community with a pure heart. If your intention is truly for the benefit of the organization, Allah’s guidance and the prayers of our scholars and Nahdliyin community will always accompany you,” Taufik said.
Responding to the prayers and advice, Gus Hery expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet both Said Aqil Siroj and Taufik Rachman Abdul Syakur, describing their guidance as invaluable moral support.
“I came not merely to seek political support, but more importantly to ask for prayers, advice, and blessings from our respected scholars. Whatever the outcome of the congress, my greatest commitment is to continue serving Nahdlatul Ulama sincerely. The guidance of our ulama reminds us that every struggle within NU must always be rooted in faith and public service,” Gus Hery said.
The gathering concluded with a joint prayer for the success of the 35th NU Congress, expressing hopes that the event will proceed peacefully, strengthen solidarity among members, and produce leadership capable of guiding Nahdlatul Ulama as a leading religious, national, and global civilizational force.
(Samsul Muarif)