JAKARTA – The Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU), KH Yahya Cholil Staquf, stressed the importance of transforming the NU organizational structure to function like a government. He conveyed this during the NU Plenary Meeting at the Bidakara Hotel, South Jakarta, held on July 27-28, 2024.

"From the beginning, we have emphasized that we want to build a jam'iyyah structure that functions like a government, with the board structure as the government and the congregation as its citizens," said Gus Yahya, the familiar name of KH Yahya Cholil Staquf.

According to Gus Yahya, four strategic components must be realized to achieve this goal. These four points include:

1. Systematic Agenda

Strategic steps to address universal problems faced by Indonesian society and the world must be designed systematically and logically. "The agendas must be systematic, not chaotic, and must reflect strategies to tackle universal problems," explained Gus Yahya.

2. Structured Management

A coherent and solid management system and organizational governance are needed. To achieve this, Gus Yahya emphasized the importance of competency assessment for NU cadres responsible for various bodies or institutions under PBNU.

3. National Leadership Academy (AKN)

Training and highest-level cadre development outlines have been prepared to ensure continuity from basic to intermediate levels. "Alhamdulillah, we have completed the outlines for the highest-level cadre training, the National Leadership Academy (AKN) NU," said Gus Yahya.

4. Digital Transformation

Through NU Digdaya (Digitalization of Data and Services), NU strives to manage the organization digitally. "We have completed this digital design, which we will continue to build into the NU digital universe. So later, all NU members' affairs will be here. Alhamdulillah, the basic design is ready," added Gus Yahya.

In line with Gus Yahya, PBNU Secretary General H Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) also emphasized three steps to achieve coherence among PBNU work programs:

First, comprehensive and integrated planning. This step involves Lakpesdam, which is transforming into Bappenu.

Second, improving human resources. This step is carried out by creating the National Leadership Academy (AKN) to enhance cadre competence.

Third, digital transformation. This step aims to encourage the digitalization of organizational governance.

By implementing these four strategic components, PBNU hopes to bring significant changes in organizational governance, making it more efficient and responsive to the needs of the community. This transformation is expected to face future challenges and make a real contribution to the progress of Indonesian society and the world. (*)