THE Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) convention in Makassar this week is the first without its “icon,” Abdurrahman Wahid, or Gus Dur, who died last December. The gathering appears quieter without his presence, nevertheless interesting developments have been taking place.

The rais am, the legal advisory board that is the supreme leadership of the organization, is still in the hands of KH Sahal Mahfudz, who held the position during the previous term. Saha