THE ROLE OF NAHDLATUL ULAMA IN SOCIAL REALITY AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF ISLAMIC EDUCATION IN INDONESIA

Abstract

Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) is the largest Islamic religious organization in Indonesia, playing a strategic role in social life and Islamic education. Since its establishment in 1926, NU has grown and developed from a base of Islamic boarding schools and rural communities, based on the teachings of Ahlussunnah wal Jama‘ah. This article aims to examine the role of Nahdlatul Ulama in the social reality of Indonesian society and its contribution to the development of Islamic education. The discussion focuses on the historical background of NU's establishment, NU's socio-religious role in maintaining social harmony and religious moderation, and NU's contribution to the development of Islamic education through Islamic boarding schools, madrasas, and universities. In addition, this article also highlights the challenges and dynamics faced by NU in the contemporary era, such as globalization, religious radicalism, and the demands of adapting to technological developments and social change. Through a moderate, cultural, and contextual approach, NU not only acts as the guardian of Islamic traditions, but also as an agent of social transformation and sustainable education. Thus, NU has an important position in developing Islamic education that is rooted in tradition, has a national perspective, and is relevant to the challenges of the times in Indonesia.