NU without Gus Mus

The somber situation facing the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) was evident when Kiai Haji Ahmad Mustofa Bisri refused to be selected as Rais Am or chairman, despite the blessing of the forum of nine elite kiai or Islamic scholars, known as ahlul halli wal aqdi, representing convention participants from all corners of the nation, last week. Gus Mus admitted he would not able to bear the burden of being the head of the NU.

Leading the largest Islamic mass organization in the nation is indeed an onerous task. The convention, marred by protests and sharp words from some of the participants, who nearly came to blows during discussions over the selection process, clearly showed how low NU conferences have become. The kiai elders sitting in the front row no longer seemed to be respected as they should be in a religious organization that holds them in high esteem.