The Role of Nahdlatul Ulama in Developing Islam Nusantara: Strengthening Local Wisdom and Global Engagement

Abstract

This Articel examines the pivotal role of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) as the architect of Islam Nusantara, a contextual interpretation of Islam that honors archipelagic wisdom while engaging global audiences. Employing a qualitative document analysis of NU communiqués, scholarly works, and pesantren curricula, the study traces how Islam Nusantara was formally articulated in 2015 and institutionalized through national congress resolutions and educational reforms . Findings indicate that NU’s pesantren network operationalizes contextual fiqh by integrating local customs deemed noncontradictory to sharī‘a, thereby preserving community-born knowledge systems. The conceptual triad of tawassuth (moderation), tasamuh (tolerance), and rahmah (compassion) underpins Islam Nusantara’s theological framework, reflecting Ahlus Sunnah wa‑Jamaah values. Local case studies such as the Minangkabau adat Basandi Syarak, Syarak Basandi Kitabullah demonstrate the pragmatic blend of customary law and Islamic ethics in practice. On the international stage, NU has leveraged interfaith forums and digital platforms to project a humanitarian Islam narrative that counters puritanical and extremist ideologies. These dual strategies reinforce Indonesia’s cultural diversity, provide a blueprint for contextual Islam in plural societies, and offer resilient models for moderating global religious discourse.