Sayap Sarat Beban: Redesain Kelembagaan PCI NU

Abstract

The establishment of the Special Branch of Nahdlatul Ulama (PCI NU) during the 31st NU Congress in Surakarta in 2004 served as an organisational response to two primary developments. First, the growing diaspora of Nahdliyin (NU members) scattered across various countries as students, migrant workers, professionals, and academics. Second, the proliferation of diverse religious currents after Indonesia's 1998 Reformasi, which necessitated the strengthening of identity and religious networks for NU members overseas. This policy study analyses the alignment between the institutional design of PCI NU and the characteristics of diaspora organisations. Employing a qualitative approach through the study of organisational regulations, document analysis, and interviews with PCI NU administrators across several countries, this paper identifies an institutional mismatch between the institutional design of PCI NU and the reality of diaspora communities, which are dynamic, highly mobile, and constrained by limited organisational resources. Complex management structures, multi-layered election mechanisms, and administrative requirements for authorisation and organisational continuity have caused some PCI NU branches to struggle with leadership regeneration and organisational sustainability. This paper recommends redesigning PCI NU as a more streamlined and adaptive NU representative-office model abroad, focused on representation, diaspora services, and global religious diplomacy.